Damascus, May 18 (SANA) The Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor, in cooperation with the World Food Programme, launched on Monday the national nutrition-sensitive social protection program “T-Anmu” at the “Qudrat” vocational and scientific training center for persons with disabilities and war victims in Damascus.
The program, supported by France and Switzerland, aims to build a cohesive society based on an effective and fair social protection system that promotes empowerment, participation, decent work, human dignity, stability, and sustainable development.
Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Hind Kabawat said the “T-Anmu” initiative represents a practical step toward establishing an integrated national social protection system grounded in justice, sustainability, and transparency, particularly amid ongoing economic and living challenges facing many Syrian families, especially those residing in camps and displacement areas.
Kabawat explained that the program will help improve targeting mechanisms, enhance aid delivery systems, and establish databases that could serve as a foundation for a future national social registry, enabling support to reach the most vulnerable families more effectively.
WFP Country Director and Representative in Syria Marianne Ward described the initiative as more than humanitarian assistance, calling it a strong message of support for vulnerable families, particularly households with children suffering from malnutrition, through direct cash assistance and integrated support programs.
Ward said that with support from the governments of France and Switzerland, the program is expected to reach nearly 11,000 people in Aleppo, Latakia, and Tartous, with hopes for future nationwide expansion.
Head of the Planning and Statistics Authority Anas Salim said the initiative reflects continued cooperation between the authority and the ministry within a broader development framework aimed at supporting Syria during a critical stage requiring greater coordination and assistance.
French Chargé d’Affaires in Damascus Jean-Baptiste Faivre reaffirmed his country’s support for Syria’s transitional phase and early recovery efforts, stressing the importance of strengthening food security and social protection programs targeting children, women, and vulnerable groups.
Meanwhile, Lyn Calder, Deputy Head of Cooperation at the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, said the launch of “T-Anmu” marks an important step in supporting social protection in Syria and strengthening cooperation between government institutions and local communities through principles of good governance and accountability.
The launch ceremony also included the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor and the World Food Programme to establish a framework for cooperation in designing, delivering, and governing the national social protection system.
KhA
