The US State Department has announced over $800 million in funding for the World Food Programme (WFP) and more than $218 million in partnership with the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
This announcement comes at a crucial time as global hunger hits record levels, humanitarian needs rise, and resources are increasingly strained. This follows nearly $4 billion in US commitments to UN humanitarian efforts in recent months.
‘Lifeline’ for hungry families
The contribution to WFP will aid more than 38 million people across at least 37 countries with life-saving food and nutrition operations.
“It is a lifeline to reach those close to famine, support mothers and children nutritionally, and position food to prevent millions from falling into extreme hunger,” said Carl Skau, WFP Acting Executive Director.
The funding will allow WFP to provide aid quickly and cost-effectively through its global logistics network, pre-positioned food supplies, and data-driven targeting.
Disaster and emergency response
The focus is on disaster readiness and rapid response in Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia, and the Indo-Pacific, regions prone to severe natural disasters.
Funding will also support emergency response and nutrition activities in complex humanitarian crises.
Mr. Skau highlighted planned support, such as expanding hunger relief operations in Lebanon, increasing cash assistance in Haiti, and enhancing food and logistics supply lines in Ebola-affected areas of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
International support important
“We hope this commitment is matched by the international community,” he stated. “Together, we can prevent hunger and save millions of lives.”
WFP stressed the vital role of bilateral funding at a time when “extreme hunger is destabilizing communities, causing migration, insecurity, economic loss, and hardship.”
Record partnership for children
The 12-month UNICEF partnership will support efforts to deliver life-saving assistance quickly and effectively to children in natural disasters and complex crises, including those with severe malnutrition.
It is one of the largest humanitarian initiatives focused on children’s survival, according to the agency.
“This investment will enable us to reach children faster with essential assistance, strengthen local systems and partnerships, and expand access to vital nutrition services for at-risk children,” said Catherine Russell, UNICEF Executive Director.
Targeted investments and malnutrition treatment
The partnership will support emergency operations across all UNICEF regions, with targeted investments in Ethiopia, Myanmar, and Ukraine.
Additionally, UNICEF aims to screen over 4.4 million children for malnutrition and provide treatment to nearly 950,000 children suffering from severe wasting through the nutrition component.
The investment will also help enhance global supply chains delivering ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) and improve access to treatment in challenging environments.
Beyond aid, the partnership will aid global humanitarian efforts to increase efficiency, strengthen local leadership, and enhance coordination.
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