The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA)
is providing essential nourishment for vulnerable children in Mali, one of
the poorest countries in the world.

The West African nation suffers from low literacy, low per capita income,
food insecurity, and limited infrastructure. Mali has one of the world's
lowest life expectancies and highest under-five mortality rates.

The region of Gao, located in eastern Mali, along with the regions of Mopti
and Timbuktu, is extremely food insecure.

In response, ADRA Mali is implementing Food for Life, a one-year project to
distribute food to malnourished children at health centers and schools in
nomad locations. HELP International and ADRA Germany, in partnership with
the World Food Programme (WFP), are financing this project.

From January to December 2007, ADRA plans to distribute in Gao a minimum of
180 tons of enriched flour, 20 tons of oil, and 15 tons of sugar. According
to the WFP agreement, the project objectives include improving the
nutritional status of children by providing food for children aged six
months to 59 months, schoolchildren, and their families.

"Though Mali is the fourth poorest country in the world, it has been a
challenge to find donors," said Karla Leitzke, ADRA Mali country director.
"That is why, in the name of the Malian people, especially the children, we
want to thank HELP International and ADRA Germany, among other donors
committed to Mali, for giving priority to one of the most vulnerable
countries in this world, and making the difference here."

ADRA is also planning future food-for-work and food-for-training projects in
the region. Proposed activities for this second phase include improving home
gardens through innovative systems, literacy classes, and education classes
in health, hygiene, and sanitation.

ADRA is present in 125 countries, providing community development and
emergency management without regard to political or religious association,
age, gender, or ethnicity.