The UN is concerned about the threat of "biblical" famine due to the coronavirus pandemic

22 April 2020


Humanity may face mass starvation due to the coronavirus pandemic if it does not ensure food security,  the executive director of the World Food Programme (WFP) David Beasley said.


"If we don't prepare and act now we could be facing multiple famines of biblical proportions within a short few months," he said, in particular.


The expert suggested a number of measures that would help avoid the worst-case scenario – he called on all participants in the fighting to provide unhindered access to humanitarian aid, as well as to invest $ 350 million in creating a network of logistics centers that will ensure its movement around the world.


According to Beasley, secure access, avoiding funding shortfalls and disruptions to trade should not be allowed.


According to WFP forecasts, by the end of 2020, about 130 million people would be on the verge of starvation due to the effects of COVID-19.


According to the latest WHO data, the number of infected with the coronavirus in the world has reached two and a half million people, more than 177 thousand died.

 

GSV "Russia - Islamic World"

Photo: Mikhail Pochuev / TASS