Deepening Hunger Catastrophe: Over 295 Million Struggle with Severe Food Shortages Across 53 Nations

Deepening Hunger Catastrophe: Over 295 Million Struggle with Severe Food Shortages Across 53 Nations - According to Global Report

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In a grim update, the Global Report on Food Crises (GRFC) has highlighted an escalating global food crisis, with over 295 million people across 53 countries facing crisis-level or worse hunger. This represents a 5% increase from the previous year.

The report identifies conflict, economic shocks, climate extremes, and forced displacement as primary drivers of this crisis. Among the countries most affected are Sudan, South Sudan, Mali, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, Burkina Faso, Yemen, Syria, the Gaza Strip, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Haiti.

Sudan and the Gaza Strip stand out as regions of particular concern, with official famine declarations. In Gaza, border closures and the collapse of a ceasefire have placed its 2.1 million residents at critical risk of famine. Sudan, on the other hand, has reported catastrophic levels of acute hunger, with the number of individuals experiencing catastrophic hunger (IPC/CH Phase 5) more than doubling, reaching 1.9 million.

Child malnutrition is also critically high, with around 43 million children under five acutely malnourished globally and 150 million chronically malnourished, especially in these regions. Particularly high levels of child malnutrition were reported in Gaza, Mali, Sudan, and Yemen.

Climate-related events, such as El Nino-induced droughts and floods, have pushed 18 countries into crisis, affecting over 96 million people. Economic turmoil, including inflation and currency devaluation, has also triggered food insecurity in 15 countries, impacting nearly 59.4 million people.

The GRFC warns that hunger shocks are likely to continue into 2025. Unfortunately, the Global Network anticipates the most significant reduction in humanitarian funding for food and nutrition crises in the report's history.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the severity of the situation, stating that hunger in the 21st century is indefensible. He called for immediate action to address this growing crisis and prevent further suffering.

As the world grapples with these challenges, it is crucial to remember that every individual affected by this crisis is a person with hopes, dreams, and a story. The ongoing civil war in Sudan has left more than 24 million people facing acute food insecurity, a stark reminder of the human toll of this crisis.

This article was first published on 17 May 2025, 10:58 IST.