The UN Warns of the Repercussions of the Economic Downturn in Syria

  • Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic
  • 7 October 2020
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The United Nations has expressed its growing concern about the repercussions of the ongoing economic downturn in Syria, including the rise in food prices, in a context in which more than 11 million people urgently need humanitarian assistance.

According to the United Nations, basic foodstuffs have become out of reach for many families, as food prices have reached record levels after increasing more than three times compared to last year. The price hike has affected the means of preventing the Coronavirus at a time when the number of infections is increasing in the country, as the prices of masks and gloves have increased by 300 percent, and disinfectants by more than 200 percent since February, at a time when cases of Coronavirus infection are increasing throughout Syria."

Statistics from the World Food Program show that 9.3 million people are food insecure in Syria, which is a record number, as without future support, more than two million additional Syrians will face the risk of further hunger and food insecurity.

Moreover, the United Nations and its partners were able to reach nearly 7.5 million people in need each month, including the provision of life-saving food for 4.5 million people.

Source (Anadolu Agency, Edited)

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