This week the US State Department announced a more than $800 million contribution to the World Food Programme (WFP) and a more than $218 million partnership with the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

The development comes at a critical time as global hunger reaches record levels, humanitarian needs mount, and resources come under increasing strain. It follows nearly $4 billion in US pledges to UN humanitarian operations in recent months

‘Lifeline’ for hungry families

The contribution to WFP will support life-saving food and nutrition operations for more than 38 million people across at least 37 countries.

“It is a lifeline to reach people on the brink of famine, provide nutritional support to mothers and children, and position food to prevent millions from slipping further into extreme hunger,” said Carl Skau, WFP Acting Executive Director.

The funding will enable WFP to deliver aid quickly and cost-effectively through its global logistics network, pre-positioned food supplies, and data-driven targeting.

Disaster and emergency response

Focus is on key areas that include disaster readiness and rapid response in countries in three regions - Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia and the Indo-Pacific - which are prone to devastating natural disasters.

Funding will also support lifesaving emergency response and nutrition activities in complex, protracted humanitarian crises.

Mr. Skau provided examples of planned support, such as expanding hunger relief operations in Lebanon, increasing cash assistance to displaced families in Haiti, and scaling up food and logistics supply lines in Ebola-affected areas of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

International support important

“We hope this commitment is joined by the international community,” he said. “Together, we can stay ahead of hunger and save millions of lives.”

WFP emphasised the vital role of bilateral funding at a time when “extreme hunger is destabilizing communities – triggering migration, insecurity, economic loss and untold hardship.”

Record partnership for children

The 12-month UNICEF partnership will support efforts to deliver life-saving assistance more quickly and effectively to children in natural disasters and complex crises, including those suffering from severe malnutrition or wasting.

It is one of the largest humanitarian initiatives focused on children's survival and well-being, according to the agency.

“This investment will help us reach children faster with life-saving assistance, strengthen local systems and partnerships, and expand access to critical nutrition services for children at greatest risk,” said Catherine Russell, UNICEF Executive Director.

Targeted investments and malnutrition treatment

The partnership will support emergency operations across all UNICEF regions and major humanitarian crises, while providing targeted investments in Ethiopia, Myanmar and Ukraine.

Moreover, through the nutrition component, UNICEF expects to screen more than 4.4 million children for malnutrition and provide treatment to nearly 950,000 children suffering from severe wasting.

The investment will also help strengthen global supply chains delivering ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) and improve access to treatment in some of the most difficult operating environments.

Beyond aid assistance, the partnership will also support ongoing efforts by humanitarians globally to increase efficiency, strengthen local leadership, and improve coordination.