 Distribution of supplementary feeding to 9,600 children in 233 kindergartens in 7 wilayas.  Provision by the centre for the protection and social integration of children, of nutritional, medical, psycho-social, educational and vocational support to 457 children living in difficult circumstances including 31 without family support.  Awareness-raising among 22,548 women on reproductive health, breast-feeding and prevention of malaria.  Monitoring and screening of 18,000 children under the age of 5 at local nutrition centres.  Deworming of 12,349 children.  Transfer of 1,854 malnourished children in dedicated structures (CRENAM, CRENAS).  Management of 52,000 beneficiaries in 700 CRENAMs in collaboration with WFP. The Emel (hope) programme initiated in 2012 and funded by the State in the amount of 30 billion ouguiyas, ensured the smooth operation of 1,124 boutiques. Nearly 225,000 families were hence able to benefit from the constant availability of foodstuff at a discounted rate and on a daily basis. Free distribution in 2014 of 11,051 tons of food to 137,240 households, i.e. 823,440 individuals. The livestock sector is one of the pillars of the national economy. It accounts for 12% of GDP, ensures self-sufficiency in red meat and covers 30% of dairy needs. The State taking full responsibility for the genetic and health improvement of the livestock and the construction of artificial insemination farms helped to improve milk production and resulted in the establishment of the Néma dairy plant as well as those in Bénichab and Boghé. These measures to ensure food self-sufficiency have had a positive impact in terms of meeting the agricultural and animal production needs of the country despite the population growth and irregular rainfall, and also contributed to making available foodstuff for households. They have benefitted disadvantaged populations including women, people affected by the consequences of slavery and those in rural areas in general. Efforts deployed by the Government for food security and poverty alleviation were recognized in 2014 by the international community. Mauritania indeed won recognition from FAO for reaching the MDG on food security and fighting hunger. 65