Geneva: The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) announced today that it will reduce food rations for Sudanese communities in famine due to a funding shortfall, effective next month. "Beginning in January, rations will be reduced to 70 percent for communities in famine areas and 50 percent for those at risk of famine," WFP Director of Emergency Preparedness and Response Ross Smith told reporters.

According to Qatar News Agency, Smith expressed concerns about the future availability of resources, stating, "As of April we will fall off a cliff when it comes to funding." The announcement comes as the UN and its partners have recently launched a global humanitarian appeal to address urgent needs in war zones and conflict areas. Sudan, which requires $2.9 billion to provide life-saving assistance, is a focal point of these efforts, with 20 million people affected by the world's largest displacement crisis.