COVID-19: UK Aid Supports 6000 Commonwealth Veterans with 2 Meals Daily

The UK Aid says it will support over 6,000 Commonwealth veterans and widows living in poverty in developing countries with two healthy meals a day through coronavirus pandemic.

The British High Commission in Nigeria said in a statement that UK Aid would deliver the meals to the people in their homes, while observing social distancing.

It said the Commonwealth Veterans Programme had quickly adjusted to register the veterans as essential staff, most whom served in World War II.

Anne-Marie Trevelyan, British International Development Secretary, said in the statement that last year, the Department for International Development (DFID) provided 12,000 meals to veterans living below the poverty line.

She said the Commonwealth veterans programme was a joint partnership between the DFID and The Royal Commonwealth Ex Services League, to which the UK government had committed 11.8 million Pounds.

“We owe a tremendous amount to our Commonwealth veterans, and it is absolutely right that the UK, in the name of the British people, is supporting those who bravely made such sacrifices for our country.

“On this VE Day, I am proud to say we have taken steps to make sure these veterans continue to receive vital support.

“As the world deals with the coronavirus epidemic, this helping hand  is needed now more than ever, ” Trevelyan said.

She noted that  Coronavirus was the biggest threat the world had collectively faced in decades, with many Commonwealth veterans staying at home to stay safe.