In 2024, over 295 million people faced acute hunger, marking the sixth consecutive year of increasing severe food insecurity globally, according to a UN report. This alarming finding was documented by a consortium of international organizations and indicates that nearly a quarter of the population in 53 out of 65 analyzed countries is suffering from acute hunger. The figure represents a rise from 281.6 million in 2023.
Moreover, individuals on the brink of famine have reached 1.9 million, more than double from the previous year. The situation in Gaza is particularly critical, where food security observers recently highlighted a “critical risk of famine” following the blockade on humanitarian aid from Israel. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated, “Hunger and malnutrition are spreading faster than our capacity to respond,” emphasizing that approximately one-third of all food produced is lost or wasted.
The key drivers of this crisis include conflicts and violence, impacting 140 million people across 20 countries, extreme weather events affecting 18 countries, and economic shocks in 15 countries. The outlook for 2025 appears bleak, with projected reductions in humanitarian food sector funding by up to 45%. Significant cuts in external aid, particularly following the Trump administration’s reductions in spending, have compounded the crisis, as other countries have also decreased their contributions.
Guterres concluded by stating, “Hunger in the 21st century is unacceptable. We cannot respond to empty stomachs with empty hands and turned backs.” The international community faces an urgent challenge to address these growing food security issues and commit to sustainable solutions.
