WFP Alerts Critical Funding Shortfalls in Ethiopia, Sudan Food Crises

Ethiopia is facing a mounting hunger crisis as the World Food Programme warns that over 10 million people are acutely food insecure due to a combination of conflict, climate shocks, economic instability, and displacement. A critical funding shortfall of $222 million is forcing WFP to halt treatment for 650,000 malnourished women and children starting in May, and threatens to suspend assistance to millions more unless urgent donor support arrives. The crisis is exacerbated by ongoing violence in the Amhara and Oromia regions, the lingering effects of the Tigray civil war, and an influx of refugees fleeing instability in neighboring countries. Severe child malnutrition rates in regions such as Somali, Oromia, Afar, and Tigray have surpassed emergency thresholds, while the risk of another drought looms. Humanitarian operations are further hampered by insecurity, theft, and attacks on aid workers. WFP officials warn that millions are now "one shock away from falling into a catastrophe" if additional funding is not secured soon.