30 million people could die of starvation during pandemic : WFP
WFP is concerned that governments will be cutting the funding to tackle the response of Covid-19
World Food Programme (WFP) said, at least 30 million people could die of starvation if they don't receive critical funding needed to feed the world's most vulnerable during the global pandemic.
David Beasley, executive director of WFP, who just recovered from Covid-19 said,
"The organization relies on the financial support of governments to feed nearly 100 million people around the world, including 30 million who rely on life-saving food. We are concerned that governments will cut funding for us," reports The Globe and Mail.
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"A decision that could have grave consequences," he added.
That's why he suggested leaders have to balance out the COVID response with keeping the economy going because otherwise a lot more people will die from "starvation and economic deterioration" than from COVID itself.
97 percent of WFP staff are still working in the field, trying to navigate the new realities of the pandemic while continuing to deliver food supplies. But they are having a hard time reaching out to the vulnerable because of an acute transportation crisis.
The organization has issued a global appeal for US$350-million to support the hubs. As of now, it has only raised 20 percent of its target.
