The latest monitoring from the World Food Programme (WFP) reveals a fragile recovery from the disaster in Myanmar. In the regions of Sagaing and Mandalay, one in six households are still facing moderate to severe food insecurity, while half of all families are only marginally food secure, leaving them extremely vulnerable to even the smallest shock. WFP Country Director Michael Dunford expressed concern over the situation, stating that people who survived the earthquake are just beginning to stand again, and now they are being knocked back down by another blow.
The conflict in the Middle East is exacerbating the situation in Myanmar by disrupting transportation and causing fuel shortages. Rising fuel prices are driving up the cost of moving food and agricultural goods, putting additional strain on households that are already struggling to afford essentials. This crisis is also impacting Myanmar’s farmers as they prepare for monsoon crops, with fertilizer demand expected to increase in the coming months. Fuel shortages and rising input costs are threatening to double production expenses compared to last year.
The compounding shocks of the earthquake and conflict are expected to have the most severe impact on areas like Chin, Kachin, Kayah, Rakhine, Sagaing, and Shan, further worsening food insecurity in a country where 12.4 million people – nearly a quarter of the population – are already facing acute hunger. Over the past year, WFP has provided relief and recovery support to half a million earthquake survivors. However, the organization is now shifting from emergency relief to restoring community infrastructure for long-term stability.
WFP is in need of $150 million to assist 1.5 million people across Myanmar this year with life-saving aid and resilience support. Without sufficient funding, the agency may have to prioritize the most urgent life-saving needs, potentially scaling back recovery efforts that help earthquake survivors rebuild their livelihoods and reduce long-term dependence on aid. Mr. Dunford emphasized the importance of standing with the people of Myanmar during this challenging time, as they have endured conflict, climate disasters, the devastating earthquake, and now a global fuel crisis.
One year after the earthquake, the people of Myanmar cannot afford another setback. It is crucial for the international community to support WFP’s efforts to provide necessary assistance to those in need and help them recover from the multiple crises they are facing. Myanmar’s recovery and stability depend on the support and solidarity of the global community in ensuring that vulnerable populations have access to food, shelter, and other essential resources.
