Cindy McCain is stepping down as WFP chief over health issues amid worsening global hunger crises, after years fighting food insecurity worldwide.
World Food Program Executive Director, Helen McCain, steps down after a mild stroke and health concerns. She returned to work in January but found the demands outpaced her recovery, leading to her decision to leave in three months. She has led WFP since April 2023, focusing on global hunger crises.
The 2026 Global Report on Food Crises finds that 266 million people across 47 countries face high levels of acute food insecurity in 2025, nearly double the share in 2016. Conflict, climate, and economic instability drive the crisis, with famine confirmed in Gaza and Sudan. Funding declines threaten aid efforts.