By Abdullahi Lukman
The United Nations on Monday warned that extreme hunger is intensifying in 13 global hotspots, with Gaza, Sudan, South Sudan, Haiti, and Mali facing immediate risk of famine without urgent humanitarian aid.
A joint report by the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and World Food Programme (WFP) cited conflict, economic shocks, and climate hazards as key drivers of worsening food crises expected over the next five months.
The report highlighted that insecurity and funding shortages are obstructing aid delivery, urging increased investment and access to prevent catastrophic famine conditions.
WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain called the situation a “red alert,” emphasizing that without adequate funding and access, lives cannot be saved.
Famine classification requires at least 20% of a population suffering extreme food shortages, 30% of children acutely malnourished, and a daily death rate of two per 10,000 from starvation or related causes.
Sudan, where famine was declared in 2024, remains in crisis with nearly 25 million people at risk due to ongoing conflict and displacement.
South Sudan faces flooding and political instability, threatening up to 7.7 million people, including 63,000 in famine-like conditions.
In Gaza, Israeli military operations and blockade have left 2.1 million people in acute food insecurity, with close to half a million at famine risk by September’s end.
Haiti’s escalating gang violence has displaced thousands, with 8,400 people facing catastrophic hunger. Mali’s conflict and soaring grain prices put 2,600 people at risk of starvation by August’s end.
Other countries of concern include Yemen, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Myanmar, and Nigeria.
FAO Director-General QU Dongyu stressed the urgent need to protect farmers and livestock to sustain food production even in harsh conditions.
Positive progress was noted in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Lebanon, which have been removed from the hunger hotspots list.
