The UN’s World Food Programme has issued a warning that significant funding cuts could push up to 13.7 million food aid recipients into critical hunger levels globally, just one step from famine.
Six key operations—in Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Haiti, Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan—are already experiencing major disruptions that are expected to worsen by the end of the year.
The Rome-based agency reported a drastic 40% decrease in funding, with 2024 projections falling to $6.4 billion from $9.8 billion.
The humanitarian system is under intense pressure as partners withdraw from frontline areas, creating service gaps.
Although no specific country was named, a Lancet medical journal report highlighted the severe impact of reduced US aid.
US President Donald Trump significantly cut foreign aid, severely affecting global humanitarian efforts.
Program coverage has been reduced and rations cut, endangering crucial aid for households in Catastrophe (IPC Phase 5) while drastically reducing preparedness for future crises.
Globally, WFP warns that funding shortages might escalate 10.5 to 13.7 million people from Crisis (IPC Phase 3) to Emergency (IPC Phase 4) levels of acute food insecurity.
