WFP Warns Of Escalating Hunger And Malnutrition Crisis In Ethiopia Amidst Conflict And Climate Challenges

The World Food Programme (WFP) has raised alarms about the escalating hunger crisis in Ethiopia. Over 10 million people are experiencing severe food shortages, with 3 million displaced by conflict and extreme weather. The humanitarian needs are overwhelming current resources, leading to a dire situation.

At a virtual press briefing in Geneva, Zlatan Milišić, WFP's Country Director in Ethiopia, highlighted the critical malnutrition levels. He stated that 4.4 million pregnant women and young children urgently require treatment. The combination of conflict, climate shocks, economic instability, and displacement is worsening the humanitarian crisis.

Milišić stressed that child wasting rates have exceeded the emergency threshold of 15 percent in several regions. The influx of refugees from neighbouring countries due to deteriorating security conditions further complicates the situation. This mix of conflict, climate crises, economic disruption, and mass displacement is creating a deadly scenario.

Over the last 18 months, WFP had to cut food rations by 60 percent for about 800,000 refugees. Assistance for displaced persons and other vulnerable groups was reduced by 80 percent over nine months. Milišić warned that without new funding, food and cash aid might cease entirely by June.

This week, WFP suspended malnutrition treatment services for around 650,000 women and children due to depleted supplies and financial constraints. Milišić cautioned that more than 3.6 million vulnerable individuals could lose humanitarian aid soon if the situation persists.

Milišić urged international donors to act swiftly and provide US$222 million before September to maintain humanitarian operations. Without this support, the crisis could deepen further, leaving millions without essential assistance.

With inputs from WAM