WFP adopts needs-based food aid for Rohingyas

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has introduced a needs-based food assistance system for Rohingyas in Bangladesh, aiming to ensure more equitable and targeted support across camps.

The WFP has begun implementing its Targeting and Prioritization Exercise (TPE) for nearly 1.2 million Rohingya living in Cox's Bazar and Bhasan Char, said a press release on Thursday.

Under the new approach, food assistance will vary depending on household-level food security needs.

Extremely food-insecure households will receive US$12 per person monthly in Cox's Bazar and $13 in Bhasan Char, while highly food-insecure families will receive slightly lower allocations, and other food-insecure households will receive minimum support.

WFP said the system follows global best practices for protracted humanitarian crises, prioritising vulnerable groups including women-led, elderly-headed and child-headed households, as well as families with persons with disabilities.

"This approach ensures everyone continues to meet minimum food needs while directing higher support to those most in need," said WFP Country Director Simone Parchment.

The agency said consultations with Rohingya communities were conducted prior to implementation.

With continued funding support from donors including the United States, European Union and Australia, WFP expects to sustain uninterrupted food assistance for Rohingyas through November 2026.