The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has raised alarm about the escalating hunger crisis in Myanmar. It warns that the crisis will reach alarming levels in 2025. As of today, the WFP predicts that 15 million people will face hunger next year. This is a significant increase from the 13.3 million in 2024.
Myanmar’s population, particularly those living in conflict zones, is enduring the highest levels of food insecurity. States like Chin, Kachin, and Rakhine, along with Sagaing Region, are hardest hit. The Myanmar Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan reveals that nearly 20 million people—one-third of the population—will require humanitarian assistance in 2025.
ROOT CAUSES OF HUNGER IN MYANMAR
The root causes of this catastrophic rise in hunger are multifaceted. According to WFP’s Representative and Country Director Michael Dunford, ongoing conflict and access restrictions are major issues. Economic collapse and recurring weather-related disasters also drive the nation to new depths of food insecurity.
“Growing conflict across the country is driving record levels of hunger,” Dunford said. “Access restrictions and a crumbling economy contribute to this crisis. Successive weather-related crises exacerbate the situation.”
DISPLACEMENT AND RISING FOOD COSTS
More than 3.5 million people are at present displaced in Myanmar due to ongoing armed conflict and violence. This number is expected to rise to 4.5 million by 2025 as the fighting intensifies and spreads to new regions. For displaced people, food remains their largest unmet need. Rising costs and inflation make basic necessities like rice, beans, oil, and salt increasingly unaffordable.
“Food prices in Myanmar continue to rise each and every month. Even if some food is available in local markets, people simply don’t have the resources to buy the basics. This lack of resources means they are eating less and going hungry,” said Dunford.
GLOBAL CRISES DRAW ATTENTION AWAY FROM MYANMAR
The urgent needs in Myanmar are significant. Yet, the country’s escalating crisis has been overshadowed by a surge in global issues. These include international political turmoil and other humanitarian emergencies. The WFP stresses that the international community can’t afford to overlook Myanmar’s deepening food security crisis.
“The world can’t afford to overlook Myanmar’s escalating crisis. Without immediate and increased international support, hundreds of thousands more will be pushed to the brink,” Dunford warned.
WFP’S EFFORTS TO PROVIDE AID
In response to the growing crisis, the WFP aims to provide life-saving food, nutrition, and resilience-building support to at least 1.6 million people in Myanmar by 2025. The organization is engaging with all parties involved in the conflict. It is also expanding its partnerships with local organizations. This ensures aid reaches those most in need.
As Myanmar grapples with the severe humanitarian fallout, the international community’s role in providing aid will be crucial. It will help prevent further escalation of the hunger crisis. This support is essential for millions of vulnerable citizens.