Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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October 16, 2025 Humanitarian aid
Nearly 14 million people could face acute food insecurity by the end of the year, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) warned. This is due to a sharp reduction in humanitarian funding. Six of WFP's most critical operations are at risk.
This concerns aid programs in Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Haiti, Somalia, South Sudan and Sudan, where the organization's work is already being disrupted and the situation will only worsen.
“Every cut in rations means a child goes to bed hungry, a mother goes without food, and a family loses the support they need to survive,” said WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain.
Record hunger levels
The current crisis is unfolding against the backdrop of record levels of global hunger319 million people worldwide face acute food insecurity, with 44 million of them on the brink of starvation. Sudan and Gaza have already registered full-scale famine.
This year, WFP will receive 40 percent less funding than last year, with a projected budget of $6.4 billion compared to $10 billion in 2024.
"We risk losing decades of progress in the fight against hunger," McCain stressed.
“Even hard-won gains – such as in the Sahel region, where 500,000 people have been lifted off humanitarian aid through integrated food support and sustainable development programmes – could be undone without the necessary funding,” she added.
Critical operations are at risk
Funding cuts could push 13.7 million people currently receiving food assistance into emergency situations, according to a new WFP report.
In Afghanistan, less than 10 percent of those in need receive food, despite rising malnutrition rates.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, famine has reached record levels: a quarter of the country's population—28 million people—are experiencing food insecurity. This month, 2.3 million people were supposed to be fed, but due to resource shortages, only 600,000 will receive aid, and by February, supplies may cease altogether.
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In Haiti, hot meal programs have already been suspended, and families are receiving only half the standard monthly ration.
In Somalia, 2.2 million people received support last year, but in November only 350,000 people in need will receive it.
In South Sudan, WFP is currently distributing reduced rations, and domestic stocks of some foods are running low.
In Sudan, where civil war is raging, WFP provides assistance to 4 million people every month, but 25 million – half the country's population – suffer from acute food insecurity.
Lack of reserves
The organization notes that the cuts have even impacted preparedness efforts. For the first time in nearly a decade, Haiti lacks reserve stocks for the hurricane season, while in Afghanistan, food supplies could not be stocked in warehouses ahead of the onset of winter.
“The devastating impact of food aid cuts not only threatens lives, but also undermines stability, leads to displacement, and could trigger broader social and economic disruption,” McCain warned.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.