The World Food Programme (WFP) has made an urgent appeal for $16.9 billion to tackle the worsening global hunger crisis. This amount is roughly equivalent to the world’s coffee expenditure over two weeks. The plea follows the release of WFP’s Global Outlook 2025, highlighting the escalating food insecurity worldwide. The agency warns that funding has not kept up with the surging humanitarian needs, putting millions of lives at risk.
According to WFP, 343 million people across 74 countries are now facing acute food insecurity. This marks a 10% increase from last year. Among them are 1.9 million individuals who are on the brink of famine. Regions like Gaza, Sudan, South Sudan, Haiti, and Mali are particularly devastated by catastrophic hunger.
Cindy McCain, Executive Director of WFP, underscored the urgency of the situation. “Global humanitarian needs are rising. These needs are fueled by devastating conflicts. More frequent climate disasters and extensive economic turmoil are also contributing factors. Yet funding is failing to keep pace.”
SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA: GROUND ZERO OF THE HUNGER CRISIS
Sub-Saharan Africa is at the epicenter of the global hunger crisis, with over 170 million people facing acute food insecurity. This crisis accounts for half of WFP’s funding needs for 2025. Ongoing conflicts have worsened the situation in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Sahel. Climate extremes exacerbated by El Niño also contribute to the crisis. Humanitarian operations are under significant strain, with rising displacement and limited access to essential resources.
MIDDLE EAST: CATASTROPHIC HUNGER AND CONFLICT
In the Middle East, food insecurity has reached alarming levels, with Gaza, Syria, and Yemen among the hardest-hit regions. In Gaza, 91% of the population is acutely food insecure, with 16% experiencing catastrophic hunger. Syria and Yemen are grappling with similar challenges, where millions of people depend on food assistance amid relentless conflict.
ASIA AND THE PACIFIC: HUNGER CAUSED BY CLIMATE SHOCKS
In Asia and the Pacific, 88 million people are struggling with hunger due to climate-related disasters. Extreme weather events have disrupted food systems and livelihoods, exacerbating the region’s vulnerabilities. WFP plans to strengthen social protection systems and anticipatory actions to mitigate the effects of future crises.
LATIN AMERICA: URGENT SUPPORT NEEDED FOR VULNERABLE POPULATIONS
Latin America and the Caribbean are also severely affected, with over 40 million people facing food insecurity and 14.2 million in urgent need of assistance. WFP’s focus in the region is on strengthening food systems. They also work on building climate resilience. Additionally, they support social protection programs to stabilize vulnerable communities.
A GLOBAL CALL TO ACTION: WFP’S $16.9 BILLION APPEAL
WFP’s $16.9 billion funding appeal is aimed at helping 123 million of the world’s hungriest people in 2025. “At WFP, we are dedicated to achieving a world without hunger,” McCain emphasized. “But to get there, we urgently need financial and diplomatic support from the international community. This support is essential to reverse the rising tide of global needs. It will also help vulnerable communities build long-term resilience.”
In 2025, WFP will continue to prioritize its response based on the specific needs of each country. It will make sure that its capabilities and resources are aligned to deliver high-quality and impactful programs.
