Washington, D.C. – As conflict and climate-related disasters drive up hunger around the globe, World Food Program USA is raising critical funds to quickly fill funding gaps and reduce pipeline breaks. With back-to-back cyclones causing major destruction in Madagascar, a country already facing massive funding shortfalls for humanitarian aid, it’s clear that responsive private sector support for the World Food Programme (WFP) will be critical to save lives in emergencies.
An estimated 400,000 people in Madagascar are facing acute needs because of back-to-back storms, with Cyclone Fytia bringing heavy rains and flooding, and Cyclone Gezani causing damage due to its strong winds. Assessments are ongoing but as of February 13, authorities report 38 deaths, 374 people injured and over 260,000 people affected. Families have lost their homes and many buildings, including businesses, schools and hospitals, have suffered significant damage.
Ahead of Cyclone Gezani’s landfall, WFP and its partners acted early, providing anticipatory cash assistance to 11,000 of the most vulnerable households to help them withstand the storm. This early action allowed families to purchase food, protect essential assets and better prepare before the storm struck.
WFP is now mobilizing its last food stocks, including fortified biscuits and rice, which WFP will distribute in close coordination with national disaster relief teams. This rapid assistance will support 18,000 people following the two cyclones. But funding shortfalls remain alarming, and the emergency response requires immediate support.
World Food Program USA stands committed to the people of Madagascar and will do everything we can to reach vulnerable families around the world in their time of great need. But we can’t do it without the support of donors. Please join us as we work to feed millions of vulnerable people.
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The World Food Programme is the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and the world’s leading humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate extremes.
World Food Program USA, a 501©(3) organization based in Washington, DC, proudly supports the mission of the United Nations World Food Programme by mobilizing American policymakers, businesses and individuals to advance the global movement to end hunger. Our leadership and support help to bolster an enduring American legacy of feeding families in need around the world. To learn more about World Food Program USA’s mission, please visit wfpusa.org/about-us.
Media Contact:
Abigail Seiler
Deputy Director, Public Relations
[email protected]
202-627-3940
