Press release
Decline in official development assistance: dramatic consequences for global food security
Paris, April 14, 2026 – According to an analysis by the World Food Programme (WFP), up to 45 million more people could face acute food insecurity in 2026 if the escalating crises in the Middle East continue and oil prices remain high. Action Against Hunger’s health and nutrition programs are essential for helping affected populations. Yet their funding is increasingly fragile, particularly due to the steady decline in global ODA over the past two years.
In 2025, Official Development Assistance (ODA) from DAC member countries and their partners¹ fell sharply by 23.1% compared to its 2024 level². This is the sharpest decline in ODA ever recorded, bringing it back to the level seen at the start of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. France is no exception to this alarming trend, as its ODA fell by 10.9% (3), primarily due to a decline in multilateral ODA. The current crisis is affecting a wide range of projects, with major repercussions on the rise in global hunger.
Health and Nutrition Programmes Targeted by French ODA
Last week, President Emmanuel Macron opened the One Health Summit. In his speech, he stated: “We need cooperation to succeed in the field of health. And if there is one area where international and interdisciplinary cooperation is essential, it is this one.” These remarks echo those made by Jean-Noël Barrot, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, on March 27, during the G7 Foreign Ministers’ meeting. Indeed, he presented the reduction of hunger and malnutrition as one of the key objectives in the provision of humanitarian aid.
Yet the reality is clear: nutrition security is not a genuine priority for the government. Despite France hosting the Nutrition for Growth (N4G) Summit in 2025, payment appropriations dedicated to ODA are set to fall by a further €800 million in 2026, reaching €3.6 billion (–18% compared to 2025, –38% compared to 2024).
The IFSAN program—the French Initiative for Food Security and Nutrition, which is essential for funding emergency food and nutrition assistance—has plummeted by 68%, dropping from €150 million to €47.5 million.
“During the N4G summit, our advocacy teams worked tirelessly to engage President Emmanuel Macron and secure France’s long-term commitment to nutrition. A year later, the reality is clear: the government’s commitment is waning despite its promises.” Flore Ganon, Deputy Director of Advocacy.
A direct impact on the countries where we operate
In 2025, ACF shut down more than 50 projects in 20 different countries that had been providing aid to hundreds of thousands of people and children.
Some examples:
- In Madagascar, ACF closed 3 out of 5 sub-bases in 2025. On the ground, 10 mobile clinics ceased operations, affecting care for 5,036 children suffering from acute malnutrition and 1,900 children with childhood illnesses.
- In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, for example in the province of Ituri alone, in health centers where Action Against Hunger programs were suspended, care once again became fee-based. The number of consultations has dropped by half. In 2026, Action Against Hunger teams were able to relaunch this project and provide care to children in need in this area. However, the global humanitarian response in the DRC remains underfunded.
- In Burkina Faso, between 2025 and 2026, 6 out of 8 bases were closed.
Between 2025 and 2026, nearly 1,300 people in the field (national and international staff) saw their contracts expire.
When funding declines, it is always the most vulnerable who pay the highest price. Faced with protracted crises, climate change, rising socioeconomic inequalities, and conflicts, needs are skyrocketing while aid remains stagnant. Political considerations must not dictate access to aid or humanitarian funding.