A new United Nations report has identified a sharp rise in extreme hunger across 13 critical regions, with five countries — Sudan, Palestine, South Sudan, Haiti, and Mali — facing an imminent risk of famine.

Released jointly on Monday by the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP), the report, Hunger Hotspots, paints a grim picture of what lies ahead if urgent humanitarian action is not taken. The driving forces behind the rising hunger levels are conflict, economic instability, and climate-related shocks.

According to the findings, millions of people in the worst-affected countries are on the brink of starvation and face the real possibility of death in the coming months without immediate global intervention.

"This report is a clear red alert," said Cindy McCain, Executive Director of the WFP. "We know where hunger is rising, and we know who is at risk. Without access and funding, our hands are tied."

FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu emphasized the urgency, noting, “Hunger today is not a distant threat – it is a daily emergency for millions. We must act now, and act together.”

In Sudan, the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate amid ongoing conflict and mass displacement. The report estimates that nearly 25 million people — over half the population — are at risk, with famine conditions already observed in 2024.

South Sudan, still reeling from years of instability and seasonal flooding, could see as many as 7.7 million people pushed into crisis levels of food insecurity. Of that number, 63,000 are believed to be enduring famine-like conditions.

In occupied Palestine, the continuing military campaign and siege of Gaza have decimated food systems. The entire population of 2.1 million is experiencing acute food shortages, with nearly half a million expected to face famine by the end of September if access to humanitarian aid remains restricted.

Haiti’s worsening security situation — marked by gang violence and lawlessness — has uprooted thousands. Currently, 8,400 Haitians are reported to be enduring catastrophic levels of hunger.

Mali, facing armed conflict and inflation-driven food prices, is projected to see 2,600 individuals descend into famine by the end of August.

Beyond the top five crisis zones, several other countries are marked as "hotspots of very high concern," including Yemen, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Myanmar, and Nigeria. Burkina Faso, Chad, Somalia, and Syria were also flagged as areas where urgent action is needed.

The UN report also highlighted a handful of countries showing signs of stabilization. Ethiopia, Kenya, Lebanon, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Zambia, and Zimbabwe have been removed from the hunger hotspot list — a glimmer of hope amid a largely bleak outlook.

The agencies urge the global community to prioritize preemptive interventions, stating, “These measures save lives, reduce food gaps, and protect both livelihoods and the dignity of affected populations.”

As the global hunger crisis deepens, WafricNews will continue to follow developments closely, amplifying the voices of those most affected and demanding accountability and action from the international community.


By WafricNews Desk.