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Written question asked by Sarah Champion (Labour) on Wednesday, 22 July 2020, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 1 September 2020 (named day). It was answered by Wendy Morton (Conservative) on Tuesday, 1 September 2020 on behalf of the Department for International Development.

Food: Coronavirus

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what assessment she has made of the effect of the covid-19 pandemic on levels of hunger across the globe; and what steps she is taking to prevent hunger levels rising.

Answer

The current combination of multiple crises could lead to a major food security crisis and even famine, triggered or made worse by COVID-19. Many countries are already experiencing severe food insecurity - due to conflict, climate change, shocks such as locusts, and poor economic performance. There is increasing evidence that COVID-19 is making this worse and may drive new hunger hotspots.

We know the situation is worsening. To prevent the food security crisis from skyrocketing, the international community will need to step up. DFID is playing its part. We are tracking the situation closely and our humanitarian assistance programmes help ensure we can get life-saving support to those who need it the most. We are adapting programmes in agriculture, nutrition and food security, to build resilience and prepare the ground for a sustainable recovery.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
78678
Session
2019-21
Subjects
Food Coronavirus
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk