World Food Day 2024: Addressing Global Hunger Crisis

Today marks World Food Day, a global event aimed at raising awareness about hunger and food security. Established by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 1979, this day calls for international collaboration to tackle food-related challenges.

The Current Hunger Crisis

Despite the fact that enough food exists to feed everyone, around 733 million people—approximately 1 in 11—face hunger daily. Moreover, approximately 2.8 billion people cannot afford a healthy diet. Alarmingly, the 2024 Global Hunger Index categorizes hunger levels as ‘Serious’ in 36 countries.

Countries Most Affected by Hunger

Several countries are severely impacted by hunger, as highlighted below:

1. Democratic Republic of Congo: With 23.4 million people experiencing extreme hunger, the DRC faces the world’s largest hunger crisis. Ongoing conflict and poverty significantly worsen the situation, along with challenges from diseases and climate change. In 2023, the UN World Food Programme helped 5.4 million people in this region.

2. Afghanistan: Decades of conflict have left 12.4 million Afghans, including 4 million children, in dire need. Additionally, the economy has deteriorated since 2021, which has restricted access to essential services. Consequently, the UN World Food Programme assisted 18.6 million people in 2023.

3. Yemen: A civil war has driven 17 million people into severe hunger, with many surviving on minimal diets. Furthermore, Yemenis—especially women and children—face alarming malnutrition rates. In 2023, the UN World Food Programme provided aid to 15.2 million individuals.

4. Syria: Twelve years of conflict have pushed 12.9 million Syrians into hunger. Notably, the economic collapse and the COVID-19 pandemic have compounded their struggles.

5. The Sahel: This region faces a major hunger crisis, impacting 13 million people in Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, and Niger. Conflict and climate extremes continue to fuel this dire situation.

6. South Sudan: Record hunger levels affect 7.1 million people, nearly 65% of the population. Civil war and flooding have escalated food insecurity. As a result, the UN World Food Programme assisted over 5 million people in 2023.

7. Sudan: Hunger affects 26.6 million people due to ongoing conflict, floods, and inflation. In response, the UN World Food Programme supports over 6.5 million people here.

8. Somalia: Drought and conflict impact 6 million people, with 300,000 facing life-threatening hunger. The UN World Food Programme reaches 4.5 million people monthly.

9. Haiti: Political unrest and extreme weather have deepened hunger for 4.7 million people. The UN World Food Programme provides emergency assistance and community support programs.

A Call to Awaken

As we observe World Food Day 2024, let’s unite to combat the global hunger crisis. It is crucial to advocate for food security and sustainable solutions. Together, we can make a difference and create a world where everyone has access to enough nutritious food.