Global Hunger Crisis: A Call for Immediate Action

The UN World Food Programme warns of a worsening hunger crisis, expecting 318 million people in crisis by 2026. With declining humanitarian aid, it can only assist 110 million at a $13 billion cost, likely receiving half. Global aid reductions, conflict, and climate challenges exacerbate this growing food insecurity.

The world is confronting an escalating hunger crisis as the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) raised alarms on Tuesday, highlighting a stark reduction in humanitarian funding.

According to the WFP's 2026 Global Outlook, 318 million people are expected to face crisis hunger levels next year, a figure more than double that of 2019. However, with diminishing donations, the WFP aims to assist only 110 million vulnerable individuals in 2026, demanding $13 billion, with forecasts showing potential funding at half of this amount.

"The global prevalence of simultaneous famines, in areas like Gaza and parts of Sudan, is entirely indefensible in this century," remarked WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain in a statement, urging for enhanced support and early interventions to save lives.

(With inputs from agencies.)