Ensuring Food Assistance Reaches the Vulnerable: The Consequences of Halting Food Aid without alternative arrangement, the recent case in Ethiopia.
By Getinet Babu Snatching away beneficiaries' hope for the next meal . Introduction: In Ethiopia, a country grappling with drought, conflicts, and an overwhelming number of refugees [1] , the recent coordinated food diversion and decision by the USAID and WFP to halt food distribution pose a grave threat to the lives of millions of people. With over 20 million [2] individuals in need of food assistance, the coordinated food diversion and suspension of food distribution exacerbate an already dire situation, particularly for those affected by drought and conflicts. In areas where coordinated food diversion has occurred, communities already burdened by conflict, limited resources, and fragile livelihoods find themselves pushed to the brink as they struggle to meet their basic nutritional needs. The lack of access to essential food assistance not only jeopardizes their physical health but also undermines their resilience and ability to recover from ongoing challenges. Accountabil