A new joint UN report reveals that millions in five countries face catastrophic hunger. They risk starvation and death without immediate international intervention. The Hunger Hotspots report, issued semi-annually by the FAO and WFP, is published twice a year. It warns of worsening acute food insecurity in Sudan, Palestine, South Sudan, Haiti, and Mali.
Unless coordinated humanitarian action occurs now, these regions will see a tragic escalation of human suffering and irreversible loss of life due to starvation.
FAMINE ALREADY CONFIRMED IN SUDAN AS CONFLICT ESCALATES
In Sudan, famine was officially confirmed in 2024. Worsening conflict and displacement continue to threaten millions, especially in Greater Kordofan and Darfur regions, risking widespread starvation.
High inflation, restricted access, and looming economic collapse mean 24.6 million people are facing severe food shortages, with 637,000 already at Catastrophe (IPC Phase 5) levels potentially leading to starvation.
Urgent humanitarian access is essential to prevent the situation from deteriorating even further in the coming months, says the latest Hunger Hotspots report.
ENTIRE GAZA POPULATION FACING CRISIS OR WORSE FOOD INSECURITY
In Palestine, particularly Gaza, famine risk is growing due to large-scale military operations blocking food and aid delivery, exacerbating starvation conditions.
The entire population of 2.1 million people is now projected to experience Crisis-level food insecurity, with 470,000 at Catastrophic levels (IPC Phase 5) through September 2025.
Economic collapse, high food prices, and the ongoing blockade continue to worsen the humanitarian situation in the territory.
SOUTH SUDAN FACES FLOODING, CONFLICT, AND POLITICAL TENSIONS
In South Sudan, multiple threats compound the crisis—floods, political instability, and economic collapse are pushing 7.7 million people into food insecurity which may lead to starvation.
According to the report, 63,000 people are projected to reach Catastrophic hunger levels between April and July 2025, as famine risk looms in several areas. Recent assessments confirm that urgent food and livelihood support is critical to avoid famine in the hardest-hit communities.
Haiti’s Hunger Crisis Driven by Gang Violence and Insecurity
In Haiti, surging gang violence and insecurity are preventing aid delivery and forcing families from their homes.
By June 2025, over 8,400 people in Port-au-Prince are expected to face Catastrophic food insecurity as violence escalates and humanitarian efforts falter. Unless immediate aid reaches these displaced communities, the food crisis will spiral beyond control in the months ahead.
MALI’S VULNERABLE POPULATIONS AT IMMEDIATE RISK
In Mali, persistent conflict and high grain prices are depleting the coping capacities of already vulnerable populations.
If no intervention occurs, 2,600 people may fall into Catastrophic hunger between June and August 2025. Without timely food aid and stabilization of local markets, starvation in Mali will continue to deteriorate.
ADDITIONAL COUNTRIES OF VERY HIGH CONCERN
The Hunger Hotspots report also raises urgent alarms for several additional countries:
- Myanmar: Earthquake damage, conflict, and food price spikes worsening hunger.
- Democratic Republic of the Congo: Reinstated to the watchlist due to rising violence.
- Nigeria, Yemen: Classified as hotspots of very high concern, with food insecurity worsening rapidly, risking starvation.
SOME REGIONS SHOW FRAGILE IMPROVEMENTS
While the global outlook remains grim, a few countries—Ethiopia, Kenya, Lebanon, and Zimbabwe—have seen temporary relief thanks to better harvests and reduced conflict.
However, these gains remain fragile, and any resurgence of conflict or climate shocks could easily reverse the progress made.
A CALL FOR GLOBAL SOLIDARITY AND URGENT ACTION
Access limitations, insecurity, and severe funding shortfalls are crippling humanitarian response efforts in many of the worst-affected regions. According to FAO Director-General QU Dongyu, pre-emptive support for farming and livestock is not optional—it is essential for survival and future recovery.
WFP Director Cindy McCain warns the global community that “the window to avert more devastating hunger is closing fast,” and inaction will result in widespread starvation.
HUNGER IS A DAILY EMERGENCY, NOT A FUTURE THREAT
This report offers more than statistics—it is a red alert for our global conscience. Hunger isn’t a future problem; it is happening now.
With tools, experience, and evidence in hand, the world can prevent wider starvation. But only if we act fast, and act together.
