In 2024, the number of people facing hunger skyrocketed to over 295 million across 53 countries. This is an alarming increase of nearly 14 million from just a year earlier. Malnutrition, especially among children, has reached serious levels in areas like the Gaza Strip, Sudan, and Yemen, with almost 38 million children under five acutely affected.
The Global Report on Food Crises (GRFC) reveals that conflict, economic issues, and extreme weather are pushing many into hunger. For example, conflicts in places like Sudan and South Sudan severely impact food security. Nearly 140 million people are affected by conflict alone.
Recent data shows that economic shocks, such as inflation, are another key driver, impacting about 59 million people across 15 countries. Countries like Yemen and Afghanistan are still struggling, nearly double the number from before the COVID-19 pandemic. Weather extremes, particularly droughts and floods, affect over 96 million people in 18 countries.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated that these hunger crises are more than just failures of systems; they are failures of humanity. He emphasizes the need for urgent action as humanitarian funding has sharply declined.
In terms of displacement, there are almost 95 million people forced to leave their homes due to conflict and instability, many of whom live in countries grappling with food crises.
Experts emphasize that breaking this cycle of hunger requires a fresh approach. This means focusing on long-term solutions, like strengthening local food systems and nutrition services. These measures can help communities become more resilient to future shocks, especially in rural areas where agriculture is vital.
Sadly, despite the rising need, global funding to tackle these crises is dwindling, and the political will to address the problem is fading. As the GRFC outlook predicts ongoing hunger into 2025, immediate and bold action is necessary to address these challenges and help the most vulnerable populations.
For those interested in more details and the latest updates, you can view the full report by the Global Network Against Food Crises.
This growing crisis isn’t just a statistic; it’s a wake-up call for all of humanity to respond compassionately and effectively.
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humanitarian aid, food aid, nutrition