WFP warns one million in Myanmar to be cut off from food aid amid funding shortfall
YANGON, Myanmar – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) today warned that more than one million people in Myanmar will be cut off from WFP’s lifesaving food assistance starting in April due to critical funding shortfalls. These cuts come just as increased conflict, displacement and access restrictions are already sharply driving up food aid needs.
Without immediate new funding WFP will only be able to assist 35,000 of the most vulnerable people, including children under the age of five, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and people living with disabilities.
“The impending cuts will have a devastating impact on the most vulnerable communities across the country, many of whom depend entirely on WFP’s support to survive,” said Michael Dunford, WFP’s Representative and Country Director in Myanmar. “WFP remains steadfast in its commitment to support the people of Myanmar, but more immediate funding is crucial to continue reaching those in need.”
The cuts will also impact almost 100,000 internally displaced people in central Rakhine who will have no access to food without WFP assistance, including Rohingya communities in camps.
WFP urgently needs US$ 60 million to maintain its life-saving food assistance to the people of Myanmar this year.
“WFP is calling on all partners to identify additional funding to meet the needs in Myanmar as the situation across the country continues to deteriorate,” said Dunford. “It is essential that the international community does not forget the people of Myanmar in their time of need, and respond immediately with adequate funding for WFP to restore life-saving aid.”
WFP is also deeply concerned about the upcoming lean season – from July to September - when food shortages hit hardest. WFP’s contingency planning aims to prioritise resuming life-saving support for 300,000 people who would otherwise have no access to food during these months.
A staggering 15.2 million people are unable to meet their minimum daily food needs in Myanmar, according to the Myanmar Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan; this is up from 13.3 million last year. Of these, according to the plan, some 2.3 million people are facing emergency levels of hunger. Even with regular support, these families who rely solely on WFP food assistance, are already reporting skipping meals, selling properties or going into debt just to survive.
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The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.
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