UN Warns Donor Cuts Push Millions Deeper Into Hunger

World Food Program Funding Cuts Push Millions Toward Famine.The United Nations World Food Program warns that major donor cuts are crippling its ability to fight global hunger. Severe funding reductions are now affecting emergency food aid in six critical nations. This crisis could force nearly 14 million people into emergency levels of hunger.The agency’s Executive Director, Cindy McCain, described the situation as watching a lifeline disintegrate. The WFP expects to receive 40% less funding this year compared to last. This creates a massive gap between the needs on the ground and the resources available to help.

Sharp Drop in US and Western Donor Support

According to the agency’s report, funding has never been more challenged. The United States, traditionally the top donor, has drastically reduced its contribution. The WFP has received about $1.5 billion from the U.S. this year, down from nearly $4.5 billion last year.Other leading Western donors have also slashed their outlays. This has resulted in a projected agency budget of just $6.4 billion. The previous year’s budget was over $10 billion. This shortfall is causing major disruptions in life-saving programs.

Six Nations Face Immediate and Severe Disruptions

The funding crisis is having a direct impact on the ground in several countries. The nations facing major aid disruptions are Afghanistan, Congo, Haiti, Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan. In Afghanistan, food assistance now reaches less than 10% of those who are food insecure.The agency warns that global hunger is already at record levels. A total of 319 million people face acute food insecurity worldwide. This includes 44 million people already at emergency levels. Famine has already broken out in Gaza and Sudan, according to Reuters.

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The drastic World Food Program funding cuts represent a severe step backward in the global fight against hunger. Decades of progress are now at risk of being lost, leaving millions to face an uncertain and desperate future.

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Which countries are most affected by the WFP cuts?

The WFP has identified six countries facing major disruptions: Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Haiti, Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan. Aid operations in these nations are being severely scaled back.

How much has funding been cut?

The World Food Program expects a 40% decrease in funding this year. Its budget is projected to be $6.4 billion, a sharp drop from the over $10 billion it received the previous year.

How many people are at risk from these cuts?

The agency warns that 13.7 million of its food aid recipients could be pushed into emergency levels of hunger. This adds to the 44 million people already at that crisis level worldwide.

Why is the World Food Program’s funding down?

The primary reason is significant budget reductions from its top donors. The United States and other leading Western nations have substantially decreased their financial contributions to the agency this year.

What is the current global hunger situation?

Global hunger is at record levels, with 319 million people experiencing acute food insecurity. Famine is already present in regions like Gaza and Sudan, compounding the crisis.