Moscow: Around 40 countries currently require continuous external food assistance, Oleg Kobiakov, Director of the Food and Agriculture Organisation’s (FAO) Liaison Office with Russia, revealed in an interview with RIA Novosti.
According to Nam News Network, Kobiakov highlighted that these nations consistently seek external food assistance. The FAO has identified a potential worsening of famine in 13 countries. In response, the organization is urging major donors, including Russia, to contribute voluntarily to FAO’s emergency assistance programs and those of its partners. The countries facing possible deterioration include Yemen, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Myanmar, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Syria, Somalia, and Chad.
The situation in Southeast Asia and South Asia has improved, primarily due to socio-economic growth in India, as well as in South America. However, this positive trend contrasts with a steady increase in famine across most sub-regions of Africa and West Asia, according to Kobiakov.
The FAO continues to monitor these developments closely and is working to mobilize resources to address the ongoing challenges faced by these nations.