Global Hunger Crisis Worsens, with Gaza Facing Imminent Famine
According to the Global Report on Food Crises released on Wednesday, an estimated 282 million people in 59 countries are struggling with acute hunger in 2023. This represents an alarming increase of 24 million individuals compared to 2022, primarily driven by severe food security deterioration in Gaza and Sudan.
Gaza Faces Grave Famine Risk
The report reveals that the Gaza Strip, where the Israel-Hamas conflict has persisted for seven months, has the highest number of people facing famine. Over 80% of those at imminent risk of starvation, totaling 577,000 individuals, reside in Gaza. The situation is exacerbated by the presence of 1.1 million people projected to be in Phase 5 and facing famine by July.
Conflict and Climate Change Drive Food Insecurity
Conflicts and climate change continue to be major contributors to food insecurity. South Sudan, Burkina Faso, Somalia, and Mali are among the countries facing catastrophic hunger due to ongoing armed conflicts. Additionally, the El Niño phenomenon, which peaked in early 2024, is expected to have significant impacts on food security throughout the year, especially in parts of East and Southern Africa.
Urgent Action Needed
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called the report “a roll call of human failings,” emphasizing that “in a world of plenty, children are starving to death.” The report highlights the urgent need for addressing the causes of acute hunger and malnutrition while transforming food supply systems and increasing funding. The UN World Food Program emphasizes the importance of both funding and access to tackle food insecurity effectively.
Increased Hunger since 2016
The Global Report on Food Crises is the flagship publication of the Food Security Information Network. Since 2016, the number of people facing acute food insecurity has consistently increased, now exceeding double the pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels. The report presents data from 59 countries, with the goal of expanding to 73 countries with acute food insecurity issues.
