The World Food Programme (WFP) has announced a suspension of life-saving nutrition assistance for 650,000 malnourished women and children in Ethiopia due to a critical funding shortfall.
This decision, effective from May, threatens to exacerbate an already dire humanitarian crisis in the Horn of Africa.
Key Takeaways
- WFP halts aid for 650,000 malnourished women and children in Ethiopia.
- Over 3.6 million people at risk of losing food aid in the coming weeks.
- Funding gap of $222 million threatens humanitarian operations.
- Ongoing conflicts and drought conditions worsen the situation.
Funding Crisis Overview
The WFP has cited a staggering funding gap of $222 million for its operations from April to September 2025.
This shortfall is forcing the agency to make difficult decisions, including halting treatment for malnourished individuals.
The WFP had aimed to provide essential nutritional support to two million mothers and children this year, but the lack of financial resources has severely limited their capacity to do so.
Humanitarian Impact
The suspension of aid is expected to have devastating consequences for Ethiopia, a nation already grappling with multiple humanitarian emergencies. Key factors contributing to the crisis include:
- Prolonged Conflict: The aftermath of a brutal civil war in Tigray, which ended in late 2022, has left an estimated 600,000 dead and nearly one million displaced.
- Ongoing Violence: Armed conflicts in the Amhara and Oromia regions continue to displace thousands, further complicating humanitarian access.
- Climate-Induced Drought: Severe drought conditions, particularly in the Somali region, have led to failed harvests and increased food insecurity.
Broader Implications
The WFP warns that unless urgent funding is secured, over 3.6 million vulnerable people across Ethiopia will be cut off from vital food aid in the coming weeks.
The agency has also indicated that cash and food assistance for up to one million refugees in Ethiopia could be halted as early as June if donor contributions do not increase significantly.
Global Funding Landscape
The current funding crisis is not isolated to Ethiopia. Globally, humanitarian aid is facing significant cuts, with the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) reporting a 7.1% decline in international development assistance between 2023 and 2024.
This marks the first drop in six years, highlighting a troubling trend in global support for humanitarian efforts.
Call to Action
Zlatan Milisic, WFP’s Country Director for Ethiopia, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “This is a critical moment to remind the world that the humanitarian situation in Ethiopia is deteriorating rapidly. If we do not receive immediate support, the consequences will be devastating.”
As the situation unfolds, humanitarian leaders are urging the global community to step up and provide the necessary support to prevent a full-scale humanitarian catastrophe in Ethiopia.
Without decisive intervention, millions risk facing deepening hunger and malnutrition, further destabilizing the region.
