According to the Global Report on Food Crises released Wednesday, nearly 282 million people across 59 countries suffered from acute hunger in 2023, marking a significant surge compared to previous years. Data from the report indicated that Gaza had the highest number of people facing famine.
The report highlighted a sharp rise in food insecurity, with 24 million more individuals affected compared to 2022.
Gaza emerged as the territory with the largest number of people facing catastrophic hunger, with over 80% of those in imminent famine conditions residing there. Other countries severely affected include South Sudan, Burkina Faso, Somalia, and Mali.
Projections outlined in the report indicate a grim outlook, with a significant number of people in Gaza and South Sudan expected to face famine by July. Ongoing conflicts, such as the Israel-Hamas war and internal strife in Sudan, exacerbate the situation.
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the report as “a roll call of human failings,” emphasizing the urgent need for action to address the root causes of acute hunger. He highlighted conflicts in Gaza and Sudan as major contributors to the crisis.
Arif Husain, the U.N. World Food Program’s chief economist, stressed the continuous rise in acute food insecurity since 2016, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasized the importance of adequate funding and access to address the issue effectively.
The report, a collaborative effort involving 16 partners including U.N. agencies and technical organizations, underscores the critical need for immediate intervention to alleviate global food crises.
