The United Nations' World Food Program says millions in West Africa will benefit from what it calls a new life-saving partnership with Luxembourg.

World Food Program chief Josette Sheeran said the deal she signed Thursday comes at a critical time with economic and weather shocks threatening food security for 1 billion people around the world.

Under the new partnership, Luxembourg will provide about $54 million over four years across West Africa. The money will go to such programs as school meals, help for AIDS victims, and communications networks to respond to emergencies like floods and earthquakes.