UN body calls for global coalition to fight hunger

Dubai: There are as many as 850 million chronically hungry people worldwide; 400 million children are suffering from severe malnutrition; and 25,000 lives are lost every day.

The statistics speak for themselves, but on the occasion of World Food Day today people in the UAE are being encouraged to "speak up" about the global hunger crisis.

"This crisis will only be solved through a global coalition, involving everyone from individuals to governments," said Tarek Shayya, regional donor relations officer at the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) Dubai, a strategic regional hub, which serves as the centre of Middle East operations.

"People who are shocked should do something and not take it silently. Many underestimate what they can actually do. It is wonderful for people to donate money, but equally important to know about what is going on and to tell others."

According to Shayya, some of the most critical crises include areas of Sudan, where millions are in need of aid; Horn of Africa and western African nations such as Mali, Niger and Mauritania where the effects of droughts remain; as well as in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

While these largely "silent emergencies" continue in countries across the globe, Shayya said that even in our own region, one of the most severe humanitarian crises is worsening by the day.

WFP has responded to the crisis in Palestine by increasing its food aid distribution from 480,000 to 600,000 people in the past year alone.

Lack of resources

"There are no safety nets and limited social solidarity systems in place anymore because everyone in the West Bank and Gaza is being affected. Furthermore, donations are not as forthcoming for this crisis. We know that there are people in need of food, but we are unable to fulfil all their needs because of a lack of resources. We have to stand up and say that this is unacceptable."

Shayya said that for this "unique case," WFP is focusing on Arab donors because of the regional importance of the issue.

Meanwhile, in a statement issued on the occasion of World Food Day, WFP Executive Director James Morris highlighted the crisis, saying that hunger still kills more people than Aids, tuberculosis and malaria combined.

According to WFP, as little as 19 cents a day can provide a child in a poor country with a healthy meal. To make a donation contact WFP's Dubai on 04-3681383, or visit www.wfp.org.