Lack of funds endangers UN aid for the hungry

The World Food Program (WFP) warned that a budget three billion dollar deficit in 2009 endangers the future of millions of persons hungry in the world.

In a declaration circulated here the Executive Director of this UN agency pointed out that although the objective is to reach 108 million needy persons from 74 countries it will only receive 3.7 billion dollars of a budget calculated to reach 6.7 billions.

We are reducing three billion dollars from our programs that implies a reduction of rations and aid around the world, including for the most vulnerable, pointed out Josette Sheeran.

The US official gave as example the situation in Bangladesh where five million persons need aid but WFP can only assist 1.4 million.

Also, cuts will be made in food school programs in which of 300,000 children only 70,000 will be benefited in this impoverished Asian nation.

Sheeran appreciated the recent commitment of 20 billion dollars to boost food security made by the Group of Eight but warned of the increasing emergency needs must be considered.

The problem is not only about agricultural products but the threat that persons will not be able to receive these foods either through lack of infrastructure or because they have no resources to acquire them, she pointed out.

UN figures indicate that the majority of underdeveloped nations food prices are higher than last year when the food crisis was at its peak.

The executive director of WFP called on the Group of 20 to meet in Pittsburg, United States, to take actions not only about the financial crisis but also about hunger.”

United Nations, Prensa Latina