UN agencies alert to rising famine risk in sixteen countries
According to the Hunger Hotspots report, conflict and violence remain the primary causes of hunger in 14 of the affected regions. The areas facing the most severe threats include Haiti, Mali, Palestine, South Sudan, Sudan, and Yemen, where populations are at imminent risk of catastrophic hunger. Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Myanmar, Nigeria, Somalia, and Syria are classified as regions of "very high concern," while Burkina Faso, Chad, Kenya, and Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh are also experiencing extreme conditions.
The report cautions that "time is quickly running out to avert widespread starvation" as funding for humanitarian aid continues to fall short. By late October, only $10.5 billion of the $29 billion needed had been secured, forcing aid agencies to reduce food distributions and halt essential programs, including school feeding and nutrition initiatives.
"The world's early warning systems work – this is fundamental for early action," FAO Director-General QU Dongyu said. "We must move from reacting to crises, to preventing them. Investing in livelihoods, resilience and social protection before hunger peaks will save lives and resources.
Famine prevention is not just a moral duty - it is a smart investment in long-term peace and stability. Peace is a prerequisite for food security and the right to food is a basic human right."
WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain warned, "We are on the brink of a completely preventable hunger catastrophe that threatens widespread starvation in multiple countries."
Both agencies urged immediate financial support, stronger political commitment, and unrestricted humanitarian access to prevent famine and save lives.
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