WFP Warns of Increasing Hunger in 13 Hotspots Worldwide

Strategic Insights -

The United Nations' World Food Programme (WFP) has released a report warning of increasing hunger in 13 hotspots around the world, with five of them facing an immediate risk of starvation and death in the coming months. The report, released in collaboration with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), highlights the urgent need for humanitarian action to de-escalate conflict, stem displacement, and provide full-scale aid response. Conflict is identified as the main driver of the crisis, with ongoing conflicts in Sudan, South Sudan, Palestine, Mali, and Haiti exacerbating the situation.

Key Takeaways:

  • 13 hotspots worldwide are facing high levels of acute food insecurity, with 5 countries facing an immediate risk of starvation and death.
  • Conflict is the main driver of the crisis, with ongoing conflicts in Sudan, South Sudan, Palestine, Mali, and Haiti.
  • Sudan is facing an ongoing famine, with nearly 25 million people facing acute food insecurity due to conflict and lack of access for humanitarians.
  • South Sudan faces compounding threats from political tensions, the risk of flooding, and economic challenges, with 60% of the population expected to experience acute food insecurity between April and July.
  • In Mali, high grain prices and ongoing conflict are eroding the coping capacities of vulnerable households, particularly in conflict-affected areas.
  • The likelihood of famine in Palestine's Gaza Strip is growing due to large-scale military operations hindering aid delivery.
  • Haiti is experiencing record levels of gang violence and insecurity, displacing communities and crippling aid access.
  • Over 8,400 internally displaced persons in Haiti are already facing Catastrophe levels of acute food insecurity.
  • The report warns that growing access constraints and critical funding shortfalls will lead to a decline in assistance, resulting in smaller rations and reduced numbers of people receiving humanitarian aid.

Statistics:

  • 25 million people in Sudan face acute food insecurity due to conflict and lack of access for humanitarians.
  • 60% of the population in South Sudan is expected to experience acute food insecurity between April and July.
  • Over 8,400 internally displaced persons in Haiti are already facing Catastrophe levels of acute food insecurity.
  • 13 hotspots worldwide are facing high levels of acute food insecurity.
  • 5 countries (Sudan, South Sudan, Palestine, Mali, and Haiti) face an immediate risk of starvation and death in the coming months.

Sources:

  • Ethiopian News Agency (17 Jun 2025)
  • World Food Programme
  • United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization