Global Hunger Crisis Worsens, Doubling Catastrophic Levels In 2024: UN Report

UN experts have expressed concern over the worsening global food crises. New data from the UN shows that the number of people experiencing severe hunger has more than doubled in the past year.

The latest Global Report on Food Crises indicates that nearly two million individuals are now facing the most severe level of food insecurity, known as Phase 5 on the global IPC scale. This phase signifies an "extreme lack of food and exhaustion of coping capacities," with a heightened risk of acute malnutrition and death.

In a press briefing on the 2024 Global Report on Food Crises, Máximo Torero, Chief Economist at the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), stated, "the number of people facing or projected to face catastrophic phase IPC, Phase 5, more than doubled from 705,000 in five countries and territories in 2023 to 1.9 million in four countries or territories in 2024." He noted that this is the highest level recorded in the report's history, driven by conflicts, El Niño-induced droughts, and rising domestic food prices.

Victor Aguayo, Director of Child Nutrition and Development at UNICEF, highlighted the dire situation for children. He warned that "child wasting is at critical levels in eight countries." This underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions to protect vulnerable populations.

Arif Husain, Chief Economist at the World Food Program (WFP), emphasised the growing burden of food crises globally. The number of people affected has risen from 90 million in 2023 to an estimated 99 million this year. He stressed the importance of both access and funding to tackle this crisis effectively.

Need for Access and Funding

"The first is access – physical access to people in need, safe and sustained access," Husain said. He added, "the second is funding to provide assistance in a sustained manner until there is." These two factors are crucial for addressing the escalating food crises worldwide.

The updated report reveals a stark reality: conflicts, climate events like El Niño-induced droughts, and rising food prices are exacerbating hunger levels. Immediate action is required to mitigate these impacts and support those most affected.

The alarming increase in severe hunger highlights a critical need for international cooperation and resource allocation. Addressing these challenges will require coordinated efforts from governments, organisations, and communities worldwide.

With inputs from WAM