WFP Suspends Food Aid to One Million in Myanmar as Funding Dries Up

In a stark warning of deepening humanitarian crisis, the World Food Programme (WFP) has announced the suspension of life-saving food assistance to over one million people in Myanmar starting in April, citing a severe shortfall in funding. The decision comes at a critical juncture, as conflict, displacement, and access restrictions exacerbate food insecurity across the country, leaving vulnerable communities on the brink.

The WFP, a United Nations agency tasked with combating hunger, revealed on 14 March that without immediate financial support, it will be forced to scale back operations dramatically. From a current reach of over one million, the agency will only be able to support around 35,000 of the most vulnerable individuals, including children under five, pregnant and lactating mothers, and people with disabilities. This drastic cut underscores the dire state of humanitarian funding for Myanmar, a nation grappling with political instability and violence since the military coup in February 2021.

“The current aid suspensions could have a devastating impact on vulnerable communities across the country who rely solely on WFP assistance for their survival,” said Michael Danforth, WFP’s Country Representative in Myanmar. He urged the international community to step up, warning that without new resources, countless lives hang in the balance.

A Perfect Storm of Crises

Myanmar’s humanitarian landscape has deteriorated sharply in recent years. The ongoing conflict between the military junta and various ethnic armed organisations, coupled with widespread displacement, has left millions in desperate need. According to WFP estimates, the agency requires an urgent injection of US$60 million this year to sustain its food assistance programmes. Yet, as global attention shifts to other crises, funding for Myanmar has dwindled, forcing aid agencies to make impossible choices.

The suspension of aid will disproportionately affect those in conflict zones and relief camps, where access to food is already limited by blockades and insecurity. In regions like Rakhine, Kachin, and Shan States, where ethnic minorities face systemic marginalisation, the loss of WFP support could push already fragile communities into catastrophic hunger. Even in urban centres like Yangon, the economic fallout from political turmoil has driven up food prices, leaving many families unable to afford basic necessities.

The timing of the cuts could not be worse. Myanmar is still recovering from the economic shocks of the COVID-19 pandemic, compounded by the political crisis that has paralysed governance and trade. Inflation has soared, and the local currency, the kyat, has plummeted in value, making imported goods—including food—prohibitively expensive. For the millions displaced by violence, who often lack access to farmland or livelihoods, WFP rations have been a literal lifeline. Without this support, aid workers fear a surge in malnutrition, particularly among children.

Funding Shortfalls: A Global Challenge

The WFP’s predicament in Myanmar is emblematic of broader challenges facing humanitarian aid globally. As conflicts multiply—from Ukraine to Gaza—and climate disasters intensify, donor fatigue has set in. Wealthy nations, grappling with domestic economic pressures, have scaled back contributions to international aid budgets. Myanmar, often overshadowed by more geopolitically prominent crises, struggles to attract the attention—and funding—it desperately needs.

“WFP urges all partners to find additional funding to meet the needs,” said Mr Danforth, echoing a plea that has become all too familiar for aid workers in the region. “The international community must provide the necessary funds to save as many lives as possible, without forgetting the people of Myanmar who need it most.”

Yet, the response so far has been tepid. While some countries and organisations have pledged support, the amounts fall far short of the US$60 million required. This gap raises uncomfortable questions about the prioritisation of crises in global politics. Myanmar’s complex internal dynamics, including international reluctance to engage directly with the military junta, have further complicated aid delivery and fundraising efforts. Sanctions on the regime, while aimed at pressuring political change, have inadvertently hampered humanitarian operations by restricting financial channels.

The Human Cost of Inaction

Behind the statistics are stories of profound suffering. In relief camps scattered across Myanmar’s border regions, families have already received what may be their last handouts from the WFP. For many, these distributions of rice, lentils, and fortified foods are the only barrier between survival and starvation. Aid workers on the ground describe scenes of desperation, with parents unable to feed their children and the elderly going without meals to prioritise the young.

If the funding crisis persists, the ripple effects could be staggering. Malnutrition, already a pressing issue in Myanmar, is likely to worsen, leading to long-term health consequences for a generation of children. Stunted growth, weakened immune systems, and developmental delays are just some of the risks. Beyond physical health, food insecurity fuels social unrest, driving desperate individuals into crime or exploitative labour to survive. In a country already torn by conflict, such pressures could further destabilise fragile communities.

There is also the risk of increased displacement. Without food aid, many may be forced to flee across borders into neighbouring Thailand, Bangladesh, or India, where refugee systems are already overstretched. This could strain regional relations and create new humanitarian challenges, as host countries struggle to accommodate an influx of vulnerable people.

Conditional Pathways Forward

If additional funding can be secured in the coming weeks, the WFP may be able to mitigate the worst of the cuts, prioritising the most at-risk groups. However, such estimates remain speculative, as donor commitments are notoriously unpredictable. There is no confirmed evidence yet of substantial pledges that would avert the suspension, and aid agencies are bracing for the worst.

Alternatively, partnerships with local organisations and community networks could help fill some gaps, though their capacity is limited. Myanmar’s civil society, despite operating under immense pressure from the junta, has shown remarkable resilience in delivering aid to remote areas. Yet, without international support, these grassroots efforts cannot scale to meet the needs of over a million people.

Another potential avenue lies in advocacy. By amplifying the voices of those affected, the WFP and other agencies hope to galvanise public and political will for increased funding. Social media campaigns, high-profile endorsements, and direct appeals to governments could shift the narrative, though success is far from guaranteed in a crowded field of global crises.

A Call for Solidarity

The suspension of WFP aid in Myanmar is not just a funding failure; it is a moral test for the international community. As one of the world’s most vulnerable populations faces an uncertain future, the stakes could not be higher. For the children, mothers, and disabled individuals who rely on this assistance, the coming months may determine whether they survive or succumb to hunger.

The crisis also serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of global challenges. Conflict, economic collapse, and food insecurity in Myanmar are not isolated issues but part of a broader web of instability that demands collective action. While the WFP’s appeal for US$60 million may seem a drop in the bucket compared to other budgetary priorities, it represents a lifeline for over a million people.

For now, the people of Myanmar wait, caught between the indifference of distant powers and the harsh realities of their daily struggle. As Michael Danforth poignantly noted, forgetting them is not an option. The question remains whether the world will heed his call before it is too late.