The World Food Programme (WFP) of the United Nations warned today, Wednesday, of a severe rise in hunger and malnutrition in Syria, stating that more than half of its population suffers from food shortages after 12 years of war, economic pressure, and last month's earthquake. Corinne Fleischer, the WFP regional director for the Middle East, stated that "the situation is worse than ever in Syria." A report from the WFP indicated that about 55% of Syria's estimated 12.1 million population suffers from food insecurity, with an additional 2.9 million at risk of falling into hunger.
Data shows that malnutrition is on the rise, with unprecedented levels of stunted growth and maternal malnutrition. Fleischer expressed deep concern over the sharply rising hunger in Syria. The earthquake that struck in February, killing at least 53,000 people in Syria and Turkey, has exacerbated the social and economic difficulties arising from the ongoing 12-year war and the depreciation of the Syrian pound.
As relief agencies cope with the aftermath of the earthquake, the WFP's director urged a month ago for officials in northwest Syria, controlled by armed groups in conflict with forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad, to stop obstructing aid access to the region. Currently, assistance reaches northwest Syria through three border crossings with Turkey. Fleischer stated, "What we need is to open internal crossing points. We are still negotiating this matter with local authorities." The program indicated that it will have to significantly reduce the number of people it helps starting in July unless more funding is provided by donors.
