ROME, Mar 28 (AFP): The UN's World Food Programme warned Friday of an "unprecedented crisis" as it faces a 40 per cent drop in funding this year, risking life-saving aid for 58 million people.
The WFP said that despite the generosity of many governments and individuals, it is "experiencing a steep decline in funding across its major donors".
"Right now, the organisation is facing an alarming 40 per cent drop in funding for 2025, as compared to last year," the Rome-based agency said in statement.
It added: "The severity of these cuts, combined with record levels of people in need, have led to an unprecedented crisis for tens of millions across the globe reliant on food aid."
It did not name any individual country, but the United States, by far the WFP's biggest donor, has dramatically cut its aid funding since President Donald Trump took office in January.
Other countries have also cut overseas aid, including Germany, the second biggest development aid donor behind the United States, and the UK, which is instead boosting defence spending.
"WFP is prioritising countries with the greatest needs and stretching food rations at the frontlines," said Rania Dagash-Kamara, WFP Assistant Executive Director for Partnerships and Innovation.
"While we are doing everything possible to reduce operational costs, make no mistake, we are facing a funding cliff with life-threatening consequences."
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