The World Bank will offer Moldova a 7-million-dollar grant as additional financing in the Health and Social Assistance Project. Info-Prim Neo reports that the grant was approved by the Board of the World Bank on August 11, and the respective agreement was signed Friday by Melanie Marlett, the WB's country manager for Moldova and by the first vice premier Igor Dodon. “This financing provides some badly needed support to people who are being hit hardest by the sharp increase in food prices,” said Melanie Marlett. “By targeting the most vulnerable groups, we’re hoping to ensure that an increase in food costs won’t mean a decrease in the health of the poorest Moldovans.” . Tentative estimates indicate that with food inflation at 24%, Moldova could face a 13% increase in poverty rates, further exacerbating the challenge of ensuring access to food by the poor. A particular and direct nutritional challenge is represented by the situation of institutionalized groups, including children and elderly, who currently live on a ration valued at less than two dollars per day. . The situation is neither easy for other groups, especially for the ones living in rural areas. The after-effects of the last summer drought are felt now – the damages brought to the agricultural sector are assessed at $1 billion . “The initial goal of the project is to contribute to promote the Government's program of enhancing the access to health and social assistance services.” Melanie Marlett specified. Igor Dodon thanked the World Bank for the support. As the aid will be distributed in the near future, the Economy and Trade Ministry, the Social Protection Ministry will develop the mechanisms of distributing it. The grant will be made available to Moldova under the World Bank’s US$1.2 billion Global Fast-Track Facility for Food Crisis launched at the end of May. The new facility is designed to address the immediate needs of the most vulnerable countries through support to social safety nets, school feeding programs, food production, and other interventions.