The world is facing an unprecedented hunger crisis, with conflict, climate change, and economic shocks driving more and more communities into a state of desperation. According to the latest Hunger Hotspots report from the United Nations, five countries, Haiti, Mali, South Sudan, Sudan, and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, are at the highest level of alert, with millions of people facing the threat of starvation.
Conflict and organized violence remain the primary drivers of hunger worldwide, with the increased targeting of civilians exacerbating the already restricted access to food. The disruption of global markets caused by violence is set to worsen the situation further. Moreover, people fleeing their homes are forced to leave behind their land and the opportunity to grow their own food, compounding the crisis.
The climate crisis, characterized by extreme weather events such as excessive rainfall, droughts, and cyclones, is also having a devastating impact on food security. Repeated failed harvests due to changing weather patterns, such as the El Niño effect, are likely to have a negative impact on regions already facing severe challenges with crop production. The forecast of increased rainfall and a greater risk of flooding in these areas is expected to intensify the already critical levels of malnutrition.
Governments around the world are struggling to protect their most vulnerable populations due to high debt levels. Soaring prices for essential goods like food, energy, and transport, coupled with weakening currencies, are likely to exacerbate the situation in many countries. The economic shocks resulting from these factors are making it increasingly difficult for communities to access the resources they need to survive.
In Haiti, escalating violence, a slow transition to new leadership, and a prolonged economic crisis have led to the country being added to the list of those with the very highest concern of hunger. Action Against Hunger, an international humanitarian organization, has been working in Haiti since 1985, providing food baskets, supporting healthcare providers, and helping to strengthen the community's capacity to address and treat malnutrition.
In Mali, ongoing conflict has displaced 354,000 people since December 2023, with violent groups creating blockades that prevent food from reaching local markets and aid from reaching those in need. Action Against Hunger is working to help displaced communities by providing nutritious food, clean water, good hygiene, and safe toilets, as well as running mobile health clinics and offering mental health support.
South Sudan is facing a dire situation, with the number of people facing catastrophic levels of acute food insecurity nearly doubling compared to the same period in 2023. Action Against Hunger is often the only aid organization providing life-saving health and nutrition services in remote areas of the country, supporting farmers, treating malnourished children and pregnant women, and distributing vital food baskets to families affected by floods.
The devastating impact of conflict continues to be felt in Sudan, with 6.8 million people having fled their homes since the conflict began in April 2023. Damage, looting, and the destruction of critical infrastructure have affected the production and availability of food, making an already perilous hunger crisis worse. Action Against Hunger has been working in Sudan since 2018, helping refugees through nutrition services, improving healthcare systems, and introducing early warning systems to help communities adapt to extreme weather caused by climate change.
In the Occupied Palestinian Territories, over 1 million people, half the population of Gaza, are expected to face death and starvation by mid-July due to the ongoing conflict and the almost total blockade of the region. Action Against Hunger has been working in Gaza since 2005 and the West Bank since 2002, providing entrepreneurship and economic empowerment programs for women and young people, clean water, safe toilets, good hygiene, and cash assistance.
As the global hunger crisis continues to escalate, it is crucial that the international community comes together to address the root causes of the problem, conflict, climate change, and economic instability. Organizations like Action Against Hunger are working tirelessly to provide immediate relief to those in need, but long-term solutions will require a concerted effort from governments, NGOs, and individuals alike. Only by working together can we hope to end the scourge of hunger and ensure that all people have access to the food and resources they need to thrive.
