Over 12 Million People in Myanmar Face Acute Hunger, WFP Issues Strong Warning

Daftar Isi

 

The food crisis in Myanmar has reached a deeply alarming level as the World Food Programme (WFP) released a new assessment showing that more than 12 million people are expected to face acute hunger by 2026. This worsening situation is the result of prolonged conflict following the 2021 military coup, which has disrupted food supply chains, damaged agricultural areas, and severely limited people’s ability to access essential goods. With ongoing instability, families across the country are increasingly struggling to secure even the most basic meals.

WFP reports that out of the 12 million people at risk, at least one million are projected to fall into the emergency hunger category. This group requires immediate food assistance to survive due to the severity of their nutritional deprivation. Many families are currently forced to rely on minimal meals such as plain rice or thin porridge, far below nutritional standards, placing children, pregnant women, and the elderly at immediate risk of health complications.

A major driver of the crisis is the continuing armed conflict between the military and various resistance groups, which has escalated over the last four years. The fighting has restricted movement, cut off access to markets, and destroyed farmlands that once supported local communities. As a result, residents who previously relied on farming or daily trade can no longer produce or purchase enough food to sustain themselves, deepening their dependence on humanitarian aid.

Mass displacement has further worsened the situation. More than 3.6 million people have been forced to flee their homes since the conflict intensified, and the number is expected to approach 4 million next year. These internally displaced families often live in temporary shelters with very limited access to food, clean water, and medical care. The crowded and unstable conditions create an environment where malnutrition can spread rapidly, especially among vulnerable groups.

WFP also highlights the severe shortage of funding needed to address the growing crisis. Despite the scale of hunger being among the largest globally, international attention and financial support remain insufficient. As a result, WFP is only able to assist a fraction of those in need, leaving millions without reliable access to food. The organization warns that without significant additional funding, humanitarian efforts will fall far short of what is required to prevent further deterioration.

Beyond conflict and political instability, Myanmar is also grappling with economic pressure and climate-related challenges that continue to push food prices higher. Rapid inflation, weakened currency values, and recurring extreme weather—such as floods and droughts—have sharply reduced agricultural productivity. This combination has made basic food items increasingly unaffordable for low-income families, deepening the severity of the hunger crisis.

In response to these conditions, WFP is urgently calling for greater international involvement. The agency stresses that without safe humanitarian access, increased funding, and a broader commitment to alleviating suffering, millions of Myanmar residents could face even more severe hunger in the coming months. WFP emphasizes that long-term recovery will require both immediate emergency support and sustained efforts to restore stability and rebuild the country’s food systems.