Food Aid Cuts Threaten Survival in Somalia

The United Nations World Food Programme announced that it is drastically reducing its emergency food aid efforts in Somalia, with the number of beneficiaries dropping from 1.1 million in August to a mere 350,000 next month due to a critical funding shortfall.

This decision leaves a mere one in ten individuals who are in dire need of food assistance to fend for themselves. Ross Smith, the director of emergency preparedness and response, expressed grave concern over the rise in hunger, highlighting the agency's diminishing ability to address it in the absence of immediate funding.

The World Food Programme seeks $98 million to maintain operations and support 800,000 people through the precarious lean season until March next year, amid factors like severe drought and conflict exacerbating food insecurity.

(With inputs from agencies.)