UN World Food Programme chief set to step down over health concerns

Cindy McCain, Executive Director of the UN World Food Programme (WFP), announced she is planning to step down from her role in three months to focus on her health, according to a press release on the organisation’s website.

McCain suffered a mild stroke in October 2025 and returned to work at WFP headquarters in Rome in January. Despite her efforts to resume full duties, she acknowledged that the pace of work exceeds her current recovery capacity.

“With a heavy heart, I am announcing my intention to step down as the Executive Director of the World Food Programme,” said McCain. 

She noted that serving the World Food Programme had been the honour of a lifetime, highlighting the team’s role in saving millions of lives in the world’s most remote and impoverished regions.

Executive Director added that she will remain a strong advocate for the WFP and continue championing the fight against global hunger.

McCain took office on April 5, 2023. During her tenure, she launched major reforms, including restructuring the global organisation, optimising operations, implementing digital technologies, and advancing public-private partnerships.

By Jeyhun Aghazada