The United Nations warns of a worsening food crisis in 6 Arab countries

The United Nations children's agency, UNICEF, warned Thursday that rising food prices as a result of the Ukraine crisis are increasing the risks of malnutrition for millions of children in the Middle East and North Africa.

The agency added that families are struggling to put food on the table during the holy month of Ramadan, and that the countries of the Middle East and North Africa have been severely affected by wars, poverty and the epidemic that has exacerbated the situation.

Ukraine and Russia account for a third of global wheat and barley exports, which Middle Eastern countries depend on to feed millions of people who live on subsidized bread and pasta at affordable prices.

They are also major exporters of other grains and sunflower seed oil used in cooking.

UNICEF warned that if the situation continues, it will severely affect children in the region, especially in Egypt, Lebanon, Libya, Sudan, Syria and Yemen, countries that were suffering from conflicts or severe economic crises even before the situation in Europe worsened, Bloomberg reported.

“With ongoing conflicts, political instability, the pandemic and the Ukraine crisis, the region is witnessing unprecedented rises in food prices along with declining purchasing power, and the number of children suffering from childbirth is likely to increase,” said Adele Khader, UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa. Malnutrition has increased dramatically.

Follow our latest local and sports news and the latest political and economic developments via Google news