Across Myanmar, a silent crisis is unfolding, driven by decades of conflict, economic collapse, recurrent natural hazards and a critical lack of humanitarian access. Millions are trapped in a cycle of desperation, and the seemingly simple act of securing enough food to survive has become a daily struggle.
‘Myanmar’s food crisis is spiraling’, says Veronica Collins, EU humanitarian aid officer for Myanmar. She describes it as ‘one of the worst food crises in recent history’, adding that ‘the crisis is unfolding in plain sight, yet remains unnoticed by the world. The people of Myanmar are paying the price, leaving many with little to no means to live.’
According to Myanmar’s humanitarian needs and response plan 2026, an estimated 16.2 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance this year, with food among the top priorities.
Across conflict-torn areas and those affected by the destructive 7.7-magnitude earthquake in 2025, high food insecurity and rising malnutrition have become a grim reality. In the central area of Myanmar's westernmost Rakhine State, the World Food Programme estimates over 1/2 of families – 57% – cannot afford their basic food needs, a dramatic increase from just over 1/3 at the end of 2024.
Ongoing instability and conflict make farming for food nearly impossible, crippling local economies and making essential supplies scarce. Income sources are limited. Market access is declining and prices are soaring. Reports suggest the situation in the hard-to-reach northern part of Rakhine state is likely much worse due to ongoing conflict and severe access issues. Families are forced to resort to desperate measures such as taking on debt, selling off assets and skipping meals so their children can eat.
Rising malnutrition
This deteriorating food security situation has a devastating impact on the most vulnerable. Limited access to healthcare, combined with poor living conditions, contributes significantly to rising malnutrition among children. A lack of safe water and sanitation services in certain areas further exacerbates health and nutrition issues.
Humanitarian organisations on the ground continue to face ever-evolving challenges. Access restrictions, bureaucratic impediments and the persistent threat of violence severely hamper the delivery of aid. Aid workers have been forced to suspend operations, leaving millions without essential support. The challenges in tracking and systematically screening for malnutrition cases make it difficult to understand the true scale of the crisis and respond effectively.
EU funding for food assistance
As the humanitarian crisis in Myanmar escalates and needs continue to mount, aid operations are severely underfunded, with increasingly acute implications.
Amid these challenges, the European Union continues to work closely with partners to provide vital aid. The EU has consistently allocated funds to address the most acute needs in Myanmar, including food and nutrition assistance in Rakhine, with funding in 2025 totalling €58 million. Through partners such as the World Food Programme, the EU provides food and cash-for-food assistance, helping those most in need withstand the crisis.
‘The people of Myanmar are facing the consequences of a crisis they had no part in creating, and their resilience is strained’, adds Veronica. ‘Although the crisis remains underfunded, we hope our contribution helps make a difference.’
