U.N. World Food Programme

Child malnutrition in Afghanistan has reached critical levels, with aid shortages forcing health workers to turn away six in seven children and mothers in need. A third of the country's provinces report critical child wasting cases, and admissions to health centers are rising sharply, according to the U.N. World Food Programme's country director in Afghanistan, John Aylieff.

The U.N. World Food Programme warned of deeper aid cuts in Gaza, where it supports 70% of the population, due to donor fatigue and funding shortages. A global hunger monitor reported that over two-thirds of Gazans could face acute hunger by year-end as humanitarian aid flows diminish.

Russian forces conducted multiple strikes across Ukraine on July 17, targeting Odesa port infrastructure, a UN World Food Programme warehouse in Dnipro, and a civilian bus in Marhanets. A Marshall Islands-flagged vessel in Odesa was damaged, injuring four crew members, while an FPV drone strike in Marhanets killed one person and injured eight. The UN reported its Dnipro warehouse was attacked four times within 24 hours.

Cindy McCain, the executive director of the U.N. World Food Programme, warned that the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, which is causing children to face starvation, malnutrition, and lack of access to basic necessities, may result in losing a generation of children. She made these remarks during an appearance on 'Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan'.

Cindy McCain, executive director of the U.N. World Food Programme, was interviewed on 'Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan' on May 31, 2026. A portion of the interview was broadcast on the program.

Cindy McCain, executive director of the U.N. World Food Programme, participated in an interview on 'Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan' on May 31, 2026. The transcript of the interview is provided in full.