Over One Million People in Myanmar to Lose WFP Food Aid Due to Funding Shortages

More than one million people in Myanmar will be cut off from life-saving food assistance provided by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) starting in April due to a critical funding shortfall. The decision comes as the country grapples with worsening conflict, displacement, and severe food insecurity.

Myanmar has been in turmoil since a military coup in 2021, leading to a humanitarian crisis where nearly 20 million people require aid, with 15.2 million facing acute food shortages. The upcoming cuts will significantly impact internally displaced persons, including thousands of Rohingya refugees living in camps who are entirely dependent on WFP support.

Michael Dunford, WFP’s Representative in Myanmar, warned of devastating consequences, stating, “The impending cuts will have a severe impact on the most vulnerable communities, many of whom depend entirely on WFP’s support to survive.” Without immediate funding, WFP will be able to assist only 35,000 of the most at-risk individuals, including children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and people with disabilities.

The organization urgently needs $60 million to maintain food assistance in the country this year. The situation is expected to worsen during the lean season from July to September, when food shortages are typically most severe.

With international support dwindling, the fate of millions now hinges on immediate funding and intervention to prevent a deepening humanitarian disaster in Myanmar.