Cindy McCain Leaves WFP After 3 Years as 315 Million Face Acute Hunger
Updated
Updated · PBS NewsHour · May 27
Cindy McCain Leaves WFP After 3 Years as 315 Million Face Acute Hunger
6 articles · Updated · PBS NewsHour · May 27
Sunday marks Cindy McCain’s final day as World Food Programme executive director after three years leading the agency through famines, attacks on aid workers and deep funding cuts.
315 million people now face acute hunger—more than double 2019 levels—driven by conflict, climate shocks and environmental disasters, McCain said.
58 million more people could face starvation because of aid cuts, while McCain said humanitarian workers have been hit twice in Ukraine in the last two weeks and are being directly targeted.
A closed Strait of Hormuz has already pushed WFP costs 20% higher, and the agency estimates 45 million additional people could be at risk of acute hunger if the disruption continues.
Sudan remains a stark example: with about 40% of the population already in crisis-level hunger, McCain warned the country could implode without food access, funding and broader political will.
As attacks on aid workers surge, who will be left to deliver food in the world's most dangerous and desperate places?
With two famines declared for the first time in history, has the global system for preventing mass starvation officially failed?
How can the world avert a historic food crisis with the critical Strait of Hormuz now under a complete blockade?
WFP in Crisis: Leadership Transition and Funding Shortfalls Threaten Aid for Over 340 Million Facing Acute Hunger
Overview
The World Food Programme (WFP) is undergoing a major leadership transition as Cindy McCain steps down as Executive Director during a time of escalating global crises. Her departure marks a pivotal moment for the organization, which relies on strong leadership to address record levels of food insecurity. During her tenure, McCain led substantial reforms, including overhauling the WFP’s global structure, streamlining operations, and scaling digital technologies to improve efficiency and reach. As Carl Skau steps in as interim leader, the WFP faces the challenge of maintaining momentum and adapting to ongoing humanitarian emergencies worldwide.