Bissau — June 1, 2026 — The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has raised alarm over escalating food insecurity in Guinea-Bissau, warning that nearly 130,000 people could face crisis levels of hunger during the June–August lean season. Funding shortfalls and supply chain disruptions have forced cuts to critical programmes, leaving vulnerable families and children at risk of malnutrition.
School meal coverage has been drastically reduced, dropping from 283,400 children to around 152,000, leaving more than 130,000 schoolchildren without daily nutritious meals. WFP Acting Country Director Mahamane Badamassi stressed that for many students, school meals are their only reliable source of nutrition.
The situation is equally dire for infants. WFP has suspended the distribution of specialized foods for children under two, affecting 56,000 children during a critical stage of growth. This raises fears of increased malnutrition and vulnerability to disease.
Despite these challenges, WFP continues to deliver life‑saving assistance but urgently requires USD 6.4 million to sustain food and nutrition programmes. Without immediate support, the lean season could deepen hunger and worsen health outcomes across the country.
The WFP emphasized that food assistance is not only about survival but also about building resilience and stability. Guinea‑Bissau’s crisis highlights the broader impact of global funding gaps and supply chain pressures on fragile nations.
