UNITED NATIONS, Oct 7 (NNN-SANA) – The United Nations’ concern over the economic downturn in Syria is rising, as COVID-19 cases increase and more than 11 million people are in urgent need of aid, a UN spokesman said.
“Basic food items are now out of reach for many families, with food prices at record levels, after more than tripling in the past year,” said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General, Guterres.
Dujarric cited reports of families queuing for hours in some areas to buy subsidised necessities, such as bread and fuel.
“In addition, the prices of masks and gloves increased by 300 percent, with sanitizer prices going up by more than 200 percent since Feb, at a time when the virus cases are on the rise across Syria,” he said.
The World Food Programme (WFP) reported a record 9.3 million people food insecure, the spokesman said, adding that, without future support, more than two million additional Syrians risk being pushed further into hunger and food insecurity.
The United Nations and partners reached nearly 7.5 million people in need each month, he said, including providing life-saving food to 4.5 million people through WFP.
The World Health Organisation is leading COVID-19 preventive and mitigation efforts, including distributing more than 4.5 million pieces of protective personal equipment.
