WFP says malnutrition rates rose in Syria in 2023
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – World Food Program USA said on Friday that malnutrition rates among mothers and infants in Syria rose at a speed never seen before in 2023.
This came in the latest statement of impact summarizing key events from 2023.
The WFP reported that in some parts of Syria, “one in four mothers were malnourished and 28% of all children’s growth was stunted.”
“Currently, nearly half of all Syrian households are unable to meet their daily caloric and nutritional requirements,” according to the statement.
The statement says that WFP had supported over 300,000 pregnant and breastfeeding mothers and infants across Syria.
However, due to funding shortfalls, WFP was forced to reduce the size of its food assistance operations in Syria by the end of 2023, the statement read.
On Dec. 4, the WFP has announced that it will end its primary aid program in Syria in January 2024 due to lack of funding.
An official in the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) said the WFP termination of its aid program in Syria will have consequences on the humanitarian situation.
For its part, the Syrian government expressed dissatisfaction with the WFP decision, deeming the step as “politicized” and aimed to “pressure” the Syrian people.
Major humanitarian organizations, including the WFP, had initially intensified their support for Syrians when the uprising turned into a civil war in 2011. However, shrinking budgets have hindered their efforts. In addition, the recent Hamas-Israel conflict has diverted attention and resources away from Syria.
Although major fighting in Syria has abated, the country’s humanitarian crisis continues to deteriorate, exacerbated by the Syrian pound’s record low against the U.S. dollar.