UN warns of Afghan Food Crisis

The World Food Programme (WFP) has warned that, tens of millions of Afghans, including children, could die of starvation if urgent action is not taken.

Key Facts

• WEP is calling to release the frozen funds without delay to provide humanitarian aid.
• Around 22.8 million people, accounting for half of entire population of Afghanistan, are facing an acute food crisis.
• This figure is greater than 14 million, which was reported in August 2021, before Taliban took over.
• As per WEP, around 220 million U.S. dollars would be required as winter nears, to meet the food demand.

World Food Programme (WFP)

WEP is the food-assistance wing of the United Nations. It is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, focusing on hunger and food security. The organisation is also the largest provider of school meals. It was established in 1961 and is headquartered in Rome. It has also set up offices in 80 countries. As of 2019, WFP served 97 million people across 88 countries. It is an executive member of the United Nations Development Group, which is a consortium of UN entities working with the aim of fulfilling the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Its primary priority is to achieve SDG 2 for “zero hunger” by 2030.

Functions of WFP

Apart from emergency food relief, WFP provides technical assistance and development aid, like:

1. Building capacity for emergency preparedness & response
2. Managing supply chains & logistics
3. Promoting social safety programs, and
4. Strengthening resilience against climate change.

It also provides direct cash assistance & medical supplies as well as provides passenger services for humanitarian workers.

Month: Current Affairs - October, 2021