WFP appoints new Myanmar representative

By Admin 20 Nov 2024

DMG Newsroom
20 November 2024, Mrauk-U

Michael Dunford, the new representative of the World Food Programme (WFP) for Myanmar, said WFP will coordinate with all parties to provide support to those in need of emergency assistance in the war-ravaged country.

Dunford said the organisation would “continue to engage with all sides and explore all avenues to ensure WFP’s assistance reaches the most vulnerable people, wherever they are,” according to a WFP press release.

WFP stated that Dunford’s appointment as its representative and country director comes at a critical time for Myanmar, which is facing worsening humanitarian crises.

WFP said it plans to assist 2 million vulnerable people in 2025, through an integrated programme of emergency relief, nutrition and resilience-building activities.

According to WFP, more than 13 million people or one in every four people in Myanmar face food insecurity, and nearly 3.5 million have been displaced due to conflict.

Ongoing armed hostilities between the junta and resistance forces have expanded, increasing challenges for displaced populations.

“As the fighting intensifies, the number of displaced people increases,” said Naing Aung Lin, head of a relief group for displaced people in Arakan State’s Gwa Township. “We have fewer donors, which leads to many shortages. They need food, medicine, clothing and blankets, among many other things.”

WFP provided food supplies and nutrition assistance for 370,000 people affected by flooding in Myanmar earlier this year.