The World Food Program (PMA) the last trace shows a fragile disaster recovery.
In the affected regions of Sagaing and Mandalay, one in six households continues to face moderate to severe food insecurity, while half of all families remain only marginally food secure, making them exceptionally vulnerable to even the smallest shock.
“People who survived the earthquake have only just begun to get back on their feet and now another blow is knocking them down,” said WFP country director Michael Dunford.
The conflict in the Middle East increases prices
The conflict in the Middle East is disrupting transportation and causing fuel shortages across Myanmar.
Rising fuel prices are raising the cost of transporting food and agricultural products, putting additional pressure on households already struggling to afford essentials.
The crisis is also affecting farmers in Myanmar as they prepare for the monsoon harvests. With demand for fertilizer expected to rise over the next three months, fuel shortages and rising input costs threaten to drive up production expenses. double last year’s levels.
Earthquake and conflict zones are the most affected
These aggravating shocks are expected to hit conflict- and earthquake-affected areas such as Chin, Kachin, Kayah, Rakhine, Sagaing and Shan the hardest, worsening food insecurity in a country where 12.4 million people – almost a quarter of the population – already face acute hunger.
Over the past year, WFP provided aid and recovery support to half a million earthquake survivors. However, the organization has now moved from emergency aid to restoring community infrastructure that provides long-term stability.
Financing needs
WFP needs $150 million to help 1.5 million people across the country this year with life-saving assistance and resilience support.
Without sufficient funding, the agency will be forced to prioritize the most urgent needs to save lives, which could reduce recovery efforts that help earthquake survivors rebuild their livelihoods and reduce long-term dependence on aid.
“The people of Myanmar have endured shock after shock: conflict, climate disasters, the devastating earthquake and now a global fuel crisis,” Mr Dunford said.
“We must support them now. One year after the earthquake, they cannot afford another fall.”
