MEPs discussed actions to contain hunger pandemic with UN food programme chief
17-06-2020 - 17:54
On 15 June, Members of the Development committee discussed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global food security with David Beasley, Executive Director of the World Food Programme, who warned of COVID-19 and its economic effects pushing millions into hunger.
David Beasley warned that up to two hundred thousand people per day could die from hunger as a side effect of COVID-19 and its economic impact. He underlined the need for international cooperation and most MEPs expressed their support to international efforts to reduce hunger. Some MEPs questioned what was being done about the structural causes of hunger and the responsibility of governments of developing countries to enhance food production. Others Members enquired how to make the COVID-19 containment measures more targeted and limit their negative effects.
Tomas Tobé, DEVE Chair, underlined that "The international community, but also each country, must step up efforts to contain not just the virus but also the collateral effects of the outbreak, especially on the most vulnerable. Securing access to nutritious food and nutrition for all must therefore be a core concern in our response to the pandemic".