Republic of Korea and WFP launch second phase of initiative to provide life-saving food and nutrition assistance in Syria

REACH Phase II expands the partnership's focus to address both severe food insecurity and rising acute malnutrition, building on the achievements of REACH Phase I, which enabled WFP to provide cash-based food assistance to nearly 95,000 people in 2025. WFP monitoring showed improved food consumption and dietary diversity among assisted households, with acceptable food consumption scores increasing from 63 percent in 2024 to 71 percent in 2025.

WFP will provide monthly cash-based assistance to 10,000 people from severely food-insecure households through REACH Phase II. Depending on local market conditions and the availability of financial services, families will receive either cash or vouchers, enabling them to choose the food that best meets their needs while supporting local retailers and markets. Cash-based transfers (CBT) promote dignity and choice by allowing households to prioritise their needs and strengthen financial literacy. By injecting cash into local economies, this assistance also helps stimulate markets, support livelihoods, and contribute to economic activity.

The initiative will also provide life-saving nutrition treatment to 28,000 children aged 6-59 months and pregnant and breastfeeding women and girls affected by moderate acute malnutrition. Beneficiaries will receive specialised nutritious foods and access to screening, referral, treatment, and follow-up services through fixed health facilities, mobile teams, and community outreach.

"At a time when needs remain immense and humanitarian resources are increasingly stretched, the Republic of Korea's sustained partnership is helping us reach those at greatest risk," said Marianne Ward, WFP Representative and Country Director in Syria. "REACH Phase II will help families meet their immediate food needs with dignity while extending critical treatment to malnourished women and children. This investment is not only saving lives today-it is helping protect children's development, strengthen families, and safeguard Syria's future."

"The Republic of Korea remains deeply committed to standing with the people of Syria during these challenging times. Through the second phase of the REACH initiative, we are proud to deepen our partnership with WFP to provide immediate, dignified food assistance and critical nutrition support to those who need it most. Investing in the health and well-being of vulnerable families and young children is essential not only for saving lives today, but for building a foundation for long-term recovery and stability," said His Excellency Gyusuk Geon, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Syria.

Only 18 percent of Syria's population is currently considered food secure. Some 13.4 million people remain food insecure, including 7.2 million facing acute food insecurity and 1.6 million experiencing severe food insecurity or at immediate risk of falling into it. Acute malnutrition has also risen considerably, placing young children and pregnant and breastfeeding women and girls at heightened risk.

A longstanding partner of WFP in Syria, the Republic of Korea has regularly contributed rice for food assistance and provided USD 10 million for the first phase of REACH, its largest-ever contribution to WFP's Syria response. The launch of REACH Phase 2 further strengthens this partnership and the shared commitment of the Republic of Korea and WFP to protecting lives, improving food and nutrition security, and supporting Syria's recovery.

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The United Nations World Food Programme is the world's largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

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