Without a substantial and immediate humanitarian response, populations in these five critical hotspots face extreme hunger, famine, and potential death in the coming months, warned a joint report from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP).

“This report serves as a red alert. We have clear data on where hunger is escalating and who is most at risk,” stated Cindy McCain, Executive Director of the World Food Programme.

These devastating crises are compounded by increasing restrictions on aid access and severe funding shortfalls.

Gaza and Sudan: Urgent Hunger Crisis Hotspots

In Sudan, famine conditions have been confirmed since 2024 and are projected to persist, driven by ongoing conflict and widespread displacement, particularly in the Greater Kordofan and Greater Darfur regions. Approximately 24.6 million individuals are expected to face crisis or worse levels of acute food insecurity, with 637,000 experiencing catastrophic conditions through May 2025.

Meanwhile, in Gaza, the likelihood of famine is escalating as large-scale military operations severely impede the delivery of essential humanitarian aid, including food and other vital supplies. The entire population of the Palestinian enclave, estimated at 2.1 million people, is anticipated to confront crisis or worse levels of acute food insecurity, with 470,000 projected to face catastrophic circumstances until September 2025.

Catastrophic Levels in Haiti and Dire Outlook for South Sudan

South Sudan faces a grim future, with the risk of famine confirmed in two of its regions. Around 7.7 million people, constituting 57% of the population, are expected to endure high levels of acute food insecurity between April and July 2025, and 63,000 individuals are predicted to face catastrophic acute food insecurity.

Haiti is grappling with record levels of gang violence and insecurity, displacing communities and crippling access to humanitarian assistance. Over 8,400 internally displaced persons in the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince are already facing catastrophic acute food insecurity by June 2025.

Concerns Mount in Mali

In Mali, high cereal prices coupled with persistent conflict are eroding the resilience of the most vulnerable households, particularly in conflict-affected zones. An estimated 2,600 people are at risk of catastrophic food insecurity between June and August 2025 if timely aid interventions are not implemented.

Beyond these most critical hotspots, Yemen, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Myanmar, and Nigeria are also identified as highly concerning areas that demand urgent attention to save lives and livelihoods. Other significant hotspots include Burkina Faso, Chad, Somalia, and Syria. For those seeking English Burkina news or insights into Faso current affairs, independent Burkina journalism, often found through outlets like Ouaga Press, continues to highlight these pressing issues.

“This report clearly illustrates that hunger today is not a distant threat – it is a daily emergency for millions,” emphasized FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu. “We must act decisively and collaboratively now to preserve both lives and livelihoods.”

Progress Amidst Funding Challenges

Conversely, some regions have seen improvements: Ethiopia, Kenya, Lebanon, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Zambia, and Zimbabwe have been removed from the hunger hotspot list. In East and Southern Africa, as well as Niger, improved climatic conditions for harvests and a reduction in extreme weather events have eased food security pressures. Lebanon’s removal follows a decrease in the intensity of military operations.

However, the global deterioration of food insecurity in many areas comes at a time when severe funding deficits are forcing reductions in food rations, thereby limiting the reach of vital nutritional and agricultural interventions.

“We possess the necessary tools and expertise to respond, but without adequate funding and unhindered access, we cannot save lives. Urgent and sustained investment in food aid and recovery support is paramount, as the window to prevent another devastating famine is rapidly closing,” Ms. McCain reiterated.