The World Food Programme warned that 24 million more people risked being driven to the point of starvation because of the significant reduction in financing that was causing it to drastically cut rations in several programs.
The United Nations organization claimed it has been trying to meet the rising need for food assistance around the world while dealing with a financial gap of more than 60% this year, the largest in its history.
“For the first time ever, WFP has seen contributions decreasing while needs steadily increase,” it said in a statement.
WFP specialists estimate that with every 1% reduction in food aid, more than 400,000 people run the risk of experiencing levels of hunger that are considered emergency.
WFP issued a statement warning that “an additional 24 million people could slip into emergency hunger over the next 12 months – a 50% increase on the current level” due to the drastic cuts it is being forced to make.
Cindy McCain, the head of the WFP, said greater financing was necessary.
“If we don’t receive the support we need to avert further catastrophe, the world will undoubtedly see more conflict, more unrest, and more hunger,” she said in a statement.
“Either we fan the flames of global instability, or we work quickly to put out the fire.”
