Cindy McCain Takes Leave After Mild Stroke, Expected to Recover

ROME, Italy — Cindy McCain, the head of the U.N. World Food Program (WFP) and widow of the late Senator John McCain, recently suffered a mild stroke. The WFP announced on Thursday, October 9, that she is recovering well and is expected to make a full recovery.

The 71-year-old McCain will travel to her home in Arizona for recovery, returning to the organization’s headquarters in Rome after receiving medical clearance, which is expected to take four to six weeks. “I want to thank the medical staff in Italy for the excellent treatment I received,” she stated. “My recovery is progressing well thanks to their outstanding care.”

McCain, who has served as the WFP’s executive director since May 2023, has garnered attention for her work addressing global food shortages exacerbated by conflicts and climate change. The organization is engaged in efforts to provide assistance to nearly 150 million people facing food insecurity this year.

Carl Skau, the deputy executive director, will manage day-to-day operations during McCain’s absence. In her statement, McCain expressed her confidence in Skau and the interim team, stating, “The fight against hunger has never been more critical, and I am incredibly proud of the work our teams do every day.”

Before her appointment, McCain served as the U.S. ambassador to the U.N. agencies for food and agriculture. She previously broke with Republican norms by endorsing Joe Biden during the 2020 presidential election, becoming a key advocate for his administration.

As she recovers, McCain looks forward to rejoining her team in the field to continue their mission against famine, especially in light of recent humanitarian crises in Gaza and Ukraine. “I look forward to being back in the field soon,” she concluded.