A delegation from the Chinese government and the UN World Food Program (WFP) on Monday delivered food assistance to mothers, orphans and others infected with HIV or tuberculosis in the kingdom of Lesotho.

The donation valued at one million US dollars is part of the Chinese government's 4.5 million US dollars worth of contributions, made in response to a global appeal by the WFP to address the hardships caused by high food and fuel prices.

In Lesotho, the Chinese government purchased 1,336 tons of maize meal from local farmers, enabling the WFP to feed 75,000 people for more than three months.

Li Ning, a legendary Chinese Olympic gymnast and the WFP's latest celebrity partner, and a representative from the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture, witnessed the distribution of the WFP food donated by the Chinese government at the Ha Makhoathi village health centers.

"As an athlete, I know how important good nutrition is for healthy growth. And as a father, I know that children need our care and support. I am really touched by the work that the WFP is doing here for kids affected by HIV," Li said.

Li said that for 26 years, the WFP has helped poor Chinese farmers and their families be able to feed themselves.

"It is wonderful to see that China is now able to help other countries do the same," he said.

Gao Deyi, the Chinese ambassador to Lesotho, attended the handover ceremony. "China and Lesotho have enjoyed a long-term friendship and China would continue to support the latter with food aid within its ability," the ambassador said.

Bhim Udas, the WFP's country representative in Lesotho, thanked the Chinese government for its generous assistance.

"China's donation and support to Lesotho are very timely and come at a critical moment as the country is experiencing food shortage caused by drought and high food price," he said.

The WFP started its relief and recovery operation in Lesotho in May, focusing on food assistance for poor families in remote, mountainous areas of the country.

The WFP aims to distribute 9,049 tons of food to 155,000 vulnerable people in Lesotho each year until the end of the operation in December 2010.

The WFP also supports the government of Lesotho in providing two free meals a day to 80,483 pupils in 478 primary schools in remote and economically disadvantaged highland and mountainous regions of the country.

(Xinhua News Agency December 9, 2008)