The World Food Programme (WFP) warned on the 15th that drastic funding cuts could push up to 13.7 million people, who currently rely on food aid, into “emergency” levels of hunger—just one step below famine.
WFP pointed out that its six major operations—in Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Haiti, Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan—are “facing major disruptions and are expected to worsen further by the end of the year.”
In its latest report, WFP stated: “WFP is facing up to a 40% funding shortfall, with an estimated budget of just US$6.4 billion (about MYR 27.056 billion), far below the US$9.8 billion needed for 2024.”
The report said: “The humanitarian system is under severe pressure, as partners are withdrawing from frontline areas, resulting in critical gaps in support.”
The report added: “The scope of operations has been significantly reduced, and food rations have also been cut. Even life-saving aid for the worst-hit households (IPC Phase 5—Catastrophe level) is at risk; at the same time, preparedness for future shocks is also greatly diminished.”
The “Integrated Food Security Phase Classification” (IPC) is a UN-supported tool used globally to assess hunger and malnutrition situations.
WFP said that globally, the funding shortfall could see the current 10.5 million people in crisis (IPC Phase 3) of severe food insecurity increase to 13.7 million, further falling into emergency (IPC Phase 4) status.
WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain said: “We are facing unprecedented global hunger, yet the resources we need are far from sufficient. We are watching, helplessly, as the lifeline for tens of millions unravels before our eyes.”
The WFP said the number of people facing severe hunger worldwide “has reached a record high,” with 319 million currently experiencing severe food insecurity, of whom 44 million are at emergency levels.
WFP pointed out that the number of people globally categorized as “famine or near-famine” doubled in just two years to 1.4 million, spanning five countries.