WFP warns of crisis as funding drops by 40 percent
The United Nations' World Food Programme (WFP) issued a stark warning on Friday, highlighting an "unprecedented crisis" due to a significant funding shortfall.
The agency revealed that it is grappling with a projected 40 percent reduction in financial support for 2025 compared to the previous year, jeopardizing crucial aid for 58 million people in need.
Despite generous contributions from governments and individuals, the WFP stated that donations from key funding sources have sharply declined.
The Rome-based organization emphasized the urgency of the situation, stressing that without immediate intervention, millions could be left without life-saving assistance.
It added: "The severity of these cuts, combined with record levels of people in need, have led to an unprecedented crisis for tens of millions across the globe reliant on food aid."
The WFP did not specify any particular country, but the United States—historically its largest donor—has significantly reduced its aid contributions since President Donald Trump assumed office in January.
Germany, the second-largest provider of development aid after the U.S., has also scaled back its overseas assistance, while the UK has opted to increase defense spending instead.
"In response to the crisis, WFP is prioritizing aid for the most vulnerable and stretching food rations on the frontlines," said Rania Dagash-Kamara, WFP’s Assistant Executive Director for Partnerships and Innovation.
"Despite our best efforts to cut operational costs, let there be no doubt—we are heading toward a funding crisis with life-or-death consequences."
The WFP identified 28 critical operations that are facing extreme funding shortages and dangerously low food stocks, potentially leaving millions at risk of hunger through August.
Among the most affected countries are Lebanon, Sudan, Syria, South Sudan, Chad, Afghanistan, Myanmar, Uganda, Niger, Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Yemen and Mali.
Others are Bangladesh, Venezuela, Haiti, Mozambique, Nigeria, Somalia, Kenya, Ukraine, Malawi, Burundi, Ethiopia, the Palestinian territories, the Central African Republic, Jordan, and Egypt.
The agency also issued an urgent warning on Thursday, stating that its food supplies in Gaza are nearly depleted, with only two weeks' worth of provisions remaining.
Without immediate intervention, "hundreds of thousands of people" in the region face severe hunger and malnutrition.
