Where possible, the UN agency is delivering vital nutrition supplies to treat moderate acute malnutrition in children aged six to 59 months, amid surging staple food prices that have made it increasingly difficult for families to eat.
The price of maize flour has risen by nearly 67 per cent, salt is 43 per cent more expensive than before the crisis erupted and the cost of cooking oil has increased by up to 45 per cent, WFP said.
“Escalating violence is forcing more families to flee – and now they have no food, no security and nowhere safe to go,” WFP spokesperson Shaza Mograby said.
“The desperation of affected communities continues to grow by the day.”
Humanitarians continue to struggle to reach the most vulnerable while major access routes remain blocked and Goma International airport remains closed.
“WFP’s priority is to resume operations fully as soon as it is safe to do so,” the UN agency insisted.
“The longer we are unable to give food and emergency assistance to families affected by the conflict, the greater and direr their needs are,” Peter Musoko, WFP’s Country Director and Representative in DRC, said.
“I do not want to see children and mothers sink deeper into hunger and severe malnutrition.
“We need the violence to stop so we can resume our humanitarian activities. The most vulnerable people in DRC cannot afford to be overlooked during this crisis.”
