UN food aid agency chief stepping down over ill health

ROME: The head of the Rome-based UN World Food Programme, Cindy McCain, said Thursday she would be stepping down in three months’ time because of poor health.
McCain, the WFP’s Executive Director, had suffered a mild stroke in October 2025 and returned to work last month.
But she “found the demands of the job were outpacing her recovery,” the United Nations agency said in a statement.
“With a heavy heart, I am announcing my intention to step down,” McCain was quoted as saying.
McCain, 71, is the widow of former US Senator John McCain, who was the Republicans’ 2008 presidential nominee.
She has served as the WFP’s head since April 2023.