Funding Crisis Threatens Malnutrition Programs for Children Globally

The U.N.'s World Food Programme warns of potential suspension of child malnutrition prevention programs in Yemen, Afghanistan, and Syria due to funding shortages. A major financial setback follows the U.S. pausing foreign aid. Global malnutrition, exacerbated by war and climate change, requires urgent attention.

The U.N.'s World Food Programme (WFP) has issued a stark warning that critical malnutrition prevention programs for children in Yemen, Afghanistan, and Syria could be halted within months unless urgent funding is secured.

WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain stressed the dire consequences of inaction, warning of a condemned future for millions of children worldwide. This announcement comes ahead of a Paris summit focused on addressing global malnutrition, where governments and charities plan to strategize responses to the growing hunger crisis.

The WFP has encountered severe financial challenges following the U.S.'s decision to pause foreign aid as it reassesses alignment with its America-first policies. The organization, which relies heavily on U.S. contributions, is now appealing for $1.4 billion to support its malnutrition programs across 56 countries by 2025.

(With inputs from agencies.)