Global Hunger Crisis Worsens for Sixth Year, New Report Warns

Over 295 million people faced acute food insecurity in 2024, with child malnutrition and catastrophic hunger reaching unprecedented levels, according to the newly released Global Report on Food Crises.

Acute food insecurity and malnutrition surged for the sixth consecutive year in 2024, threatening the lives and livelihoods of millions in the world’s most fragile regions. The Global Report on Food Crises (GRFC), published today by the Global Network Against Food Crises, reveals that a staggering 295 million people across 53 countries and territories experienced acute hunger last year—an increase of nearly 14 million from 2023.

Even more alarming, the number of people facing catastrophic levels of hunger—classified as IPC/CH Phase 5—more than doubled, reaching 1.9 million, the highest figure recorded since the GRFC began monitoring in 2016. The global prevalence of acute food insecurity now affects 22.6 percent of the assessed population.

“This is more than a failure of systems – it is a failure of humanity,” said United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres. “Hunger in the 21st century is indefensible. We cannot respond to empty stomachs with empty hands and turned backs.”

Children Bear the Brunt

Child malnutrition has reached devastating levels, with nearly 38 million children under five suffering from acute malnutrition in 26 crisis-hit regions. The report highlights dire conditions in Gaza, Mali, Sudan, and Yemen, where access to food and essential nutrition services has sharply deteriorated.

Catherine Russell, Executive Director of UNICEF, issued a stark warning: “In a world of plenty, there is no excuse for children to go hungry or die of malnutrition. Millions of children’s lives hang in the balance as funding is slashed to critical nutrition services.”

Displacement and Hunger Intertwined

The crisis is closely tied to forced displacement, with nearly 95 million of the world’s 128 million forcibly displaced people living in food-insecure countries. These include conflict-affected regions such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Colombia, Sudan, and Syria.

“People who have been displaced show remarkable strength, but resilience alone can’t end hunger,” said Raouf Mazou, Assistant High Commissioner for Operations at UNHCR. “We must move beyond emergency aid and create real opportunities—access to land, livelihoods, markets, and services.”

Conflict, Economic Shocks, and Climate Extremes Driving Crisis

The report identifies conflict as the leading cause of hunger, affecting around 140 million people in 20 countries. Famine has already been confirmed in Sudan, while other severe hotspots include the Gaza Strip, South Sudan, Haiti, and Mali.

Economic shocks—such as inflation and currency devaluation—have pushed 59.4 million people into acute hunger in 15 countries. This remains nearly double pre-pandemic levels. Countries like Afghanistan, South Sudan, Syria, and Yemen are among those hardest hit.

Climate extremes, particularly El Niño-induced droughts and floods, triggered food crises in 18 countries, affecting over 96 million people. Regions such as Southern Africa, Southern Asia, and the Horn of Africa have seen significant impacts on agriculture and food availability.

A Call for a Bold Reset

Despite escalating needs, global humanitarian funding for food and nutrition is declining at its fastest rate in years. The GRFC warns that this downward trend in funding is set to continue into 2025, threatening the very survival of millions.

“This year’s Global Report paints yet another stark and unacceptable picture,” said Hadja Lahbib, EU Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness, and Crisis Management. “This is not merely a call to action — it is a moral imperative.”

FAO Director-General QU Dongyu emphasized the need for agricultural investment, particularly in rural areas: “Acute food insecurity is not just a crisis – it is a constant reality for millions. Investment in emergency agriculture is critical, not just as a response, but as the most cost-effective solution.”

Alvaro Lario, President of IFAD, echoed this sentiment: “Humanitarian responses must go hand-in-hand with investments in rural development and resilience building. Rural communities are central to food security and growth, especially in fragile settings.”

Funding Gaps Threaten Lifelines

Cindy McCain, Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP), underscored the financial strain facing aid agencies: “WFP is facing deep budget shortfalls which have forced drastic cuts to our food assistance programs. Millions of hungry people have lost, or will soon lose, the critical lifeline we provide.”

Despite proven solutions, the GRFC urges the global community to act swiftly and collectively, prioritizing investments that build long-term resilience, empower local food systems, and put affected communities at the center of response strategies.

“The global hunger crisis threatens not just lives, but the stability and potential of entire societies,” said Axel van Trotsenburg, Senior Managing Director at the World Bank. “What is needed now is collective action so we can build a future free of hunger.”