"As a searcher for truth, I deem it necessary to find the perfect food for a man to keep body, mind, and soul in a sound condition… I, therefore, still seek information and guidance from kindred spirits."
– Mahatma Gandhi (Young India, 22-8-1929 as cited in 'Moral basis for Vegetarianism', 1959)
Why in News?
The United Nations World Food Program (WFP), following the lead of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has temporarily suspended food aid to Ethiopia due to supply diversion. The suspension has raised concerns about its impact on the more than 20 million people affected by drought and conflict in the country.
WFP is strictly against food diversion and thus expects the Ethiopian government's commitment to investigate and hold accountable those responsible.
"There are people in the world so hungry that God cannot appear to them except in the form of bread."
- Mahatma Gandhi
The suspension of food aid to Ethiopia is a major humanitarian crisis that will devastate millions of people. The country is already facing several challenges, including violence, climate change, and food insecurity. The suspension of food aid will only make these challenges worse.
The United Nations has warned that suspending food aid could push millions of people into famine. The World Food Programme (WFP) has already had to cut rations for millions of people in Ethiopia, and the suspension of food aid could mean that some people will not receive any food at all.
The violence in Ethiopia has also made it difficult for aid agencies to reach needy people. The WFP has said it has been unable to reach 1.7 million people needing food assistance in Tigray, where the conflict is concentrated.
The climate crisis is also having a significant impact on Ethiopia. The country has been hit by droughts recently, which have destroyed crops and livestock. The droughts have also made it difficult for people to access water, leading to increased waterborne diseases.
The suspension of food aid to Ethiopia is a significant setback for the country's efforts to deal with violence, climate change, and food insecurity. The international community must step up to provide food assistance to Ethiopia to avoid famine.
How will this suspension of food aid affect the people in Ethiopia?
- Increased Malnutrition and Mortality Rates, Particularly Among Children - Children are especially vulnerable to malnutrition, and the suspension of food aid could lead to an increase in malnutrition and mortality rates, particularly among children.
- Malnutrition Pushing More People Towards Disease - Malnutrition weakens the immune system, making people more vulnerable to infection. The suspension of food aid could lead to an increase in rates of disease, such as malaria, pneumonia, and Diarrhoea.
- Increased Displacement in Search of Food and Shelter - The suspension of food aid could force people to leave their homes for food and shelter. This could lead to an increase in internally displaced people (IDPs) and refugees.
- Increased Social Unrest - The suspension of food aid could lead to increased social unrest as people become more desperate and frustrated. This could lead to violence, protests, and other forms of social unrest.
The suspension of food aid is a major humanitarian crisis, and the international community must take action to prevent it from worsening. The international community can help by providing food assistance to Ethiopia, working to end the violence, and addressing the climate crisis.
Together, we can help to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe in Ethiopia.