Republic of Korea and WFP launch ‘REACH’ project to tackle record levels of hunger in Myanmar
Backed by a USD$10 million contribution from the Republic of Korea, REACH will enable WFP to deliver lifesaving food and cash for food to communities severely affected by conflict and the earthquake. Through REACH, WFP will provide 300,000 people in conflict- and earthquake-affected areas with two months of food and/or cash assistance. In addition, 24,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women and children will receive targeted nutrition support to help prevent and treat malnutrition.
“The Republic of Korea remains committed to standing with the people of Myanmar during this difficult time. We hope our contribution through the ROK-WFP REACH (Responding with Emergency Assistance for Conflict-affected Households) project will help deliver urgent assistance to those suffering the most from conflict and disaster. We hope this support will not only help meet urgent needs but also contribute to longer-term resilience and hope for the people of Myanmar,” said H.E. Mr. Bae Byeongsoo, Chargé d’Affaires of the Republic of Korea to Myanmar.
WFP will deliver this assistance directly to those in need, working in close collaboration with local partners and non-governmental organizations to ensure access and impact in the most vulnerable communities.
“The launch of the REACH project marks another milestone in the Republic of Korea’s inspiring transformation, from being a recipient of WFP’s support between the 1960s and 1980s to becoming a global leader in food security. It is especially meaningful here in Myanmar, a country that once sent rice aid to the Republic of Korea,” said Michael Dunford, WFP Representative and Country Director in Myanmar. “With hunger and malnutrition at historic highs, this timely contribution from the Republic of Korea will allow us to scale up assistance to communities whose lives have been shattered by conflict and the earthquake.”
Myanmar’s humanitarian crisis is deepening amid economic collapse. Since early 2021, the average cost of a basic food basket has quadrupled, making it nearly impossible for millions to afford even the most basic meal.
Myanmar now ranks fifth globally for the highest number of people facing severe hunger. According to the latest Hunger Hotspots Report, 16.7 million people – nearly one in three – are acutely food insecure, a sharp increase from 13.3 million in 2024. Of these, 2.8 million people are in crisis – struggling daily to find their next meal.
In April 2025, WFP was forced to cut its emergency assistance to one million people in Myanmar due to severe funding shortfalls. This new funding from the ROK will help restore critical food assistance, especially in hard-to-reach areas where hunger levels are highest.
Photos are available here.
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About Assistance from the Republic of Korea through WFP
The Republic of Korea has long been a strong supporter of the World Food Programme's (WFP) efforts in Myanmar, backing initiatives related to food, nutrition, and community resilience. This longstanding partnership is focused on alleviating hunger and malnutrition, while strengthening communities against climate shocks and improving overall food security. With the new USD 10 million contribution, the Republic of Korea is stepping up its efforts to address the growing humanitarian needs in Myanmar.
About WFP:
The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.
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