The Republic of Korea (ROK) has significantly increased its commitment to addressing the severe humanitarian crisis in Myanmar by contributing USD 10 million to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP). This funding has launched the Responding with Emergency Assistance for Conflict-affected Households (REACH) initiative, which began on September 5, 2025.
The REACH initiative is designed to provide immediate relief to families impacted by the ongoing conflict and the devastating earthquake that struck Myanmar in March 2025. The program aims to deliver essential food and cash assistance to 300,000 individuals for two months. Additionally, a specialized nutrition program will support 24,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women and young children, crucial for preventing and treating malnutrition.
H.E. Mr. Bae Byeongsoo, Chargé d’Affaires of the Republic of Korea to Myanmar, emphasized his nation's dedication to supporting Myanmar through this challenging period, expressing hope that the project would foster long-term resilience. This contribution comes as Myanmar faces a profound economic collapse, with the cost of a basic food basket quadrupling since early 2021. Consequently, 16.7 million people are now acutely food insecure, an increase from 13.3 million in 2024. The WFP had previously reduced emergency assistance for one million people in April 2025 due to funding shortfalls.
Michael Dunford, WFP Representative and Country Director in Myanmar, acknowledged South Korea's evolution into a global humanitarian leader, noting Myanmar's historical role in providing rice aid to South Korea. The REACH initiative signifies South Korea's commitment to global humanitarian efforts and its strengthened partnership with the WFP. The program will distribute aid directly to those in need, collaborating with local partners and non-governmental organizations to ensure effective reach and impact in the most affected communities, particularly in restoring critical food aid in remote areas facing severe hunger.