Latest news with #2025GlobalReportonFoodCrises
Newsweek
6 days ago
- General
- Newsweek
Hunger and War—Why the World Can't Look Away
Over the past 10 months, I've deployed to some of the world's most acute humanitarian emergencies: Sudan, Gaza, Syria, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). I went to support our frontline staff and bear witness to the scale of suffering. These crises are all fueled by armed conflict, and while each has its own history and context, the toll on everyday people—especially women and girls—is devastatingly consistent. Nearly 300 million people around the world are facing extreme hunger, according to the 2025 Global Report on Food Crises recently released—a threefold increase in hunger since 2016. The leading cause of starvation is armed conflict, which continues to displace communities, disrupt food production, and block humanitarian aid. The report's data ends in December 2024, but continued violence this year, along with aid cuts, means even more are suffering. A girl eats a piece of bread as people check the site of an overnight Israeli strike, in Jabalia in the central Gaza Strip, on May 30, 2025, amid the war between Israel and the... A girl eats a piece of bread as people check the site of an overnight Israeli strike, in Jabalia in the central Gaza Strip, on May 30, 2025, amid the war between Israel and the Palestinian Hamas militant movement. More BASHAR TALEB/AFP via Getty Images In the searing heat of eastern Sudan, I met two young girls, Lujain and Fajr. Before the war erupted, they were students in Khartoum, one dreaming of exploring the world as an airline pilot, and another aspiring to become a heart surgeon. Today, they live in a displacement camp hundreds of miles from home, where a single meal a day is a luxury. Their dreams haven't disappeared—but they've been deferred, maybe indefinitely. Everywhere I went, I encountered women and girls like them, all of whom bore the weight of multiple losses—loved ones, homes, regular meals, futures. As they grappled with all they had lost, questions lingered in the air, unspoken but unmistakable: "Are we less than human? Is that why the world has turned away?" These are questions I've been thinking about, especially as some of the world's wealthiest nations dramatically scale back humanitarian aid, and as atrocities persist and are often met with silence. The suffering I've witnessed and the stories I've heard are not abstract—they are personal. Lujain and Fajr want to learn, to feel safe, to build something with their lives. These are not extraordinary aspirations. They are universal to us all. And yet, if the past year has taught us anything, it's that this shared humanity is not always recognized—let alone protected. Aid is delayed or denied. Peace efforts stall. International attention fades. The result is a dangerous erosion of empathy. It's easy to feel overwhelmed by numbers like 300 million. But statistics don't move us. Stories do. They remind us of our shared humanity and can move us to action. Outside Goma in the DRC, I met a young, displaced mother who had been raped at 14. To feed her daughter, she sold the child's only piece of clothing. She recounted this quietly, surrounded by women who had endured similar horrors. As she spoke, I wept. And when I looked up, I saw others weeping, too. In that shared grief, there was also something else: a moment of connection. A reminder of what binds us. In Gaza, a woman told me she had fled her home 21 times. When I met her, she was pregnant, living in a bombed building with her husband and two young daughters. For them, daily life revolved around the struggle to find food. This was a story I heard constantly: to eat and survive after being forcibly uprooted, families must endure conditions that strip them of their dignity. The world must understand how urgent the situation is in these places. Seeing it was shocking. Humanitarian aid is absolutely critical. Emergency food, water, medicine, and other critical supplies literally keep people alive. Every delay in assistance, every cut in funding, has life and death implications. There is no more time. Humanitarian aid is a last resort, a bridge to something more permanent. People don't want to survive indefinitely in limbo. They want peace. They want the chance to rebuild, on their own terms. As one woman in the DRC told me, "What we need is peace. The rest we can build." Ending hunger requires more than aid—it requires courage and political will to bring peace. It means recognizing conflict as the engine behind so much human suffering and committing to policies that prevent it. It means listening to those living through these crises—and trusting them to shape the solution. The tools to prevent and end conflict exist. The mechanisms to protect civilians from starvation are in place. To all the Lujains and Fajrs, you are not forgotten. Your stories stay with us. Your dreams matter. Your lives matter. And the world has a responsibility—to see you, to hear you, and to act. Because what's at stake is your future and our collective humanity. Dr. Deepmala Mahla is CARE's chief humanitarian officer. For over two decades, she has contributed to the design and implementation of humanitarian and development programs in some of the most complex and fragile environments, in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Mahla is a strong advocate on behalf of vulnerable communities and for the protection of aid workers. The views expressed in this article are the writer's own.
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First Post
19-05-2025
- Health
- First Post
Pakistan facing acute food shortage, 11 million people at hunger risk: FAO
According to the FAO report, 11.8 million people or 32 per cent of the analysed population were projected to face high levels of acute food insecurity in 43 rural districts of Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh during the winter lean season read more According to the Food and Agriculture Organization's most recent study, Pakistan had high levels of food insecurity from November 2024 to March 2025, with 11 million people expected to face insecurity, Dawn reported on Sunday. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization's (FAO) 2025 Global Report on Food Crises, which was released by the UN on Friday, 11 million people, or 22% of the analysed population, are expected to face acute food insecurity in 68 rural districts affected by flooding in Balochistan, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This includes 1.7 million people in emergency. The population coverage increased by 38 per cent between the 2024 peak and 2025 current analysis, from 36.7 million people to 50.8 million people, with 25 additional districts, making the 2024 peak and the projection for 2025 not comparable, Dawn cited the report. It further added that extreme weather conditions would affect livelihoods of people despite there being a recovery in the situation with respect to last year. The peak for 2024 in Pakistan remained the same as in 2023, with 11.8 million people facing high levels of acute food insecurity between November 2023 and January 2024, the report mentioned. Citing the report, it further noted that Pakistan experienced persistently high levels of acute malnutrition between 2018 and early 2024 in analysed areas of Balochistan and Sindh, with global acute malnutrition (GAM) prevalence consistently above 10 per cent and reaching more than 30 per cent in certain districts. Insufficient funds also limited nutrition service coverage. In 2025, climate shocks and acute food insecurity risk further aggravated already high acute malnutrition levels. According to the FAO report, 11.8 million people or 32 per cent of the analysed population were projected to face high levels of acute food insecurity in 43 rural districts of Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh during the winter lean season. Of them, 2.2 million were in emergency under the Integrated Food Insecurity Phase Classification (IPC) during November 2023 to January 2024. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The report further said acute malnutrition burden during March 2023 and January 2024 affected 2.1 million children aged 6 to 59 months. Children's diets were of insufficient quality and quantity, aggravated by acute food insecurity which worsened during the winter months when food prices are higher, livelihood opportunities are restricted and access to markets is reduced. It was also reported that there was a high prevalence of acute malnutrition among pregnant and breastfeeding women, which was accompanied by a high proportion of children being born with a low birth weight, particularly in Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Levels of diarrhoea, acute respiratory infections and malaria were high, worsening during the winter months. The inadequate coverage of sanitation facilities and safe drinking water was a significant concern, partly following the heavy monsoon floods in 2022, Dawn reported. Across Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, poor healthcare-seeking behaviours and blocked roads limited access to healthcare. Insufficient funds also limited nutrition service coverage. In 2025, climate shocks and acute food insecurity risk further aggravated already high acute malnutrition, the report noted. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Time of India
17-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Conflict and climate drive record global hunger in 2024, UN says
Rome: Acute food insecurity and child malnutrition rose for a sixth consecutive year in 2024, affecting more than 295 million people across 53 countries and territories, according to a U.N. report released on Friday. That marked a 5 per cent increase on 2023 levels, with 22.6 per cent of populations in worst-hit regions experiencing crisis-level hunger or worse. "The 2025 Global Report on Food Crises paints a staggering picture," said Rein Paulsen, Director of Emergencies and Resilience at the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). "Conflict, weather extremes and economic shocks are the main drivers, and they often overlap," he added. Looking ahead, the U.N. warned of worsening conditions this year, citing the steepest projected drop in humanitarian food funding since the report's inception -- put at anywhere between 10% to more than 45 per cent. U.S. President Donald Trump has led the way, largely shutting down the U.S. Agency for International Development, which provides aid to the world's needy, cancelling more than 80 per cent of its humanitarian programs. "Millions of hungry people have lost, or will soon lose, the critical lifeline we provide," warned Cindy McCain, the head of the Rome-based World Food Programme. Conflict was the leading cause of hunger, impacting nearly 140 million people across 20 countries in 2024, including areas facing "catastrophic" levels of food insecurity in Gaza, South Sudan, Haiti and Mali. Sudan has confirmed famine conditions. Economic shocks, such as inflation and currency devaluation, helped push 59.4 million people into food crises in 15 countries -- nearly double the levels seen prior to the COVID-19 pandemic -- including Syria and Yemen. Extreme weather, particularly El Nino-induced droughts and floods, shunted 18 countries into crisis, affecting more than 96 million people, especially in Southern Africa, Southern Asia, and the Horn of Africa. The number of people facing famine-like conditions more than doubled to 1.9 million -- the highest since monitoring for the global report began in 2016. Malnutrition among children reached alarming levels, the report said. Nearly 38 million children under five were acutely malnourished across 26 nutrition crises, including in Sudan, Yemen, Mali and Gaza. Forced displacement also exacerbated hunger. Nearly 95 million forcibly displaced people, including refugees and internally displaced persons, lived in countries facing food crises, such as Democratic Republic of Congo, Colombia. Despite the grim overall trend, 2024 saw some progress. In 15 countries, including Ukraine, Kenya and Guatemala, food insecurity eased due to humanitarian aid , improved harvests, easing inflation and a decline in conflict. To break the cycle of hunger, the report called for investment in local food systems. "Evidence shows that supporting local agriculture can help the most people, with dignity, at lower cost," Paulsen said.
Arab Times
17-05-2025
- Health
- Arab Times
Child malnutrition and food insecurity surge for 6th straight year
GENEVA, May 17: Acute food insecurity and child malnutrition increased for the sixth consecutive year in 2024, impacting more than 295 million individuals across 53 countries and territories, according to a United Nations report released on Friday. This represents a 5% rise compared to 2023, with 22.6% of populations in the hardest-hit areas facing crisis-level hunger or worse. "The 2025 Global Report on Food Crises paints a staggering picture," said Rein Paulsen, Director of Emergencies and Resilience at the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). He cited conflict, extreme weather, and economic shocks as the primary drivers of the crisis, noting that these factors frequently intersect. The UN warned of further deterioration in 2025, pointing to the most significant projected decline in humanitarian food aid funding since the report began. Funding is expected to fall by between 10% and over 45%. One major factor has been the rollback of humanitarian assistance by the United States under President Donald Trump, who has effectively shut down the U.S. Agency for International Development's operations, cancelling over 80% of its relief programs. "Millions of hungry people have lost, or will soon lose, the critical lifeline we provide," said Cindy McCain, Executive Director of the World Food Programme, headquartered in Rome. Conflict remained the leading cause of hunger in 2024, affecting nearly 140 million people in 20 countries. Catastrophic food insecurity was reported in regions such as Gaza, South Sudan, Haiti, and Mali, while Sudan officially confirmed famine conditions. Economic instability, including inflation and currency collapses, pushed 59.4 million people into food crises in 15 countries—almost double the pre-COVID-19 numbers. Countries like Syria and Yemen were especially impacted. Extreme weather events, particularly those driven by El Niño, triggered droughts and floods in 18 countries, leaving over 96 million people in crisis. The most affected regions were Southern Africa, Southern Asia, and the Horn of Africa. The number of people experiencing famine-like conditions more than doubled to 1.9 million in 2024 — the highest level since global reporting began in 2016. Child malnutrition also reached alarming heights. Nearly 38 million children under the age of five were acutely malnourished across 26 crisis-affected regions, including Sudan, Yemen, Mali, and Gaza. Forced displacement further intensified the hunger crisis. Nearly 95 million people who were either refugees or internally displaced were living in countries grappling with food crises, such as the Democratic Republic of Congo and Colombia. Despite these alarming trends, some progress was noted in 2024. Fifteen countries—including Ukraine, Kenya, and Guatemala—experienced improvements in food security thanks to humanitarian assistance, better harvests, reduced inflation, and diminished conflict. To address the root causes of hunger, the report urged greater investment in local food systems. 'Evidence shows that supporting local agriculture can help the most people, with dignity, at lower cost,' Paulsen emphasized.
The Star
16-05-2025
- General
- The Star
Roundup: Global hunger worsened in 2024, affecting 295 mln people: UN report
ROME, May 16 (Xinhua) -- Global food insecurity and malnutrition continued to worsen in 2024, with 295 million people suffering from acute hunger across 53 countries, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and its partners said in a report released on Friday. The figure represents an increase of 13.7 million compared to 2023, marking the sixth consecutive annual rise in acute food insecurity in the world's most fragile regions. The findings were published in the 2025 Global Report on Food Crises by the Global Network Against Food Crises (GNAFC), an international alliance comprising the FAO, the UN World Food Programme (WFP), and various governmental and non-governmental organizations. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the figures as "another unflinching indictment of a world dangerously off course." In the report's foreword, he warned that "hunger and malnutrition are spreading faster than our ability to respond, yet globally, a third of all food produced is lost or wasted." He added that long-standing crises are now being compounded by a more recent one: a dramatic reduction in lifesaving humanitarian funding. While acute food insecurity typically stems from a combination of factors - such as poverty, economic shocks, and extreme weather, the report emphasized that conflicts remained the primary driver in many of the worst-hit regions. Some populations faced conditions beyond acute hunger. Famine was confirmed in parts of Sudan in 2024, while catastrophic levels of food insecurity were recorded in the Gaza Strip, South Sudan, Haiti, and Mali. In the Gaza Strip, famine was narrowly averted thanks to stepped-up humanitarian aid, but the report warned that the risk could return between May and September 2025 if the large-scale military operation and blockade continue. The report also highlighted the severe impact of forced displacement. Of the 128 million people forcibly displaced in 2024, nearly 95 million - including internally displaced persons, asylum seekers, and refugees - were living in countries already grappling with food crises. In addition, economic shocks triggered food insecurity in 15 countries, affecting 59.4 million people, while extreme weather events pushed 18 countries into crisis, impacting more than 96 million people, particularly in Southern Asia, Southern Africa, and the Horn of Africa. FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu warned that acute food insecurity is becoming a persistent reality, especially in rural areas. "The path forward is clear: investment in emergency agriculture is critical - not just as a response, but as the most cost-effective solution to deliver significant, long-lasting impact," he said.
