Rohingyas' access to balanced diet still a concern: UN study

Although more than 90 per cent of Rohingyas in Cox's Bazar have received emergency food assistance, a major concern is limited access to a well-diversified and balanced diet, says a new study, reports UNB.

The Rohingya Emergency Vulnerability Assessment (REVA) was carried out by the United Nations (UN) World Food Programme (WFP) and Food Security Sector partners in November and December 2017.

"WFP will scale up its e-voucher programmes in 2018 to reach new arrivals in Cox's Bazar," said Farhan Haq, deputy spokesman for the UN Secretary-General.

Currently, some 90,000 people are enrolled in WFP's e-voucher programmes, under which they receive a monthly amount on a pre-paid debit card which can be used in allocated shops to buy 19 different foods, including rice, lentils, fresh vegetables, chilis, eggs and dry fish, he said while briefing reporters at the UN Headquarters on Friday.

Farhan said the WFP is providing food and food vouchers to more than 700,000 refugees.