Global hunger crisis deepens as major nations skimp on aid

The global hunger crisis is worsening, with the number of people struggling to access food increasing, while the financial support from wealthy nations continues to decline.

The United Nations (UN) estimates that 307 million people will need humanitarian aid in 2025, but at best, it can raise enough funds to assist only 60 per cent of them, leaving at least 117 million without aid, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media.

By the end of 2024, the UN will have secured only 46 per cent of the $49.6 billion it needed for global humanitarian assistance, marking the second consecutive year it raised less than half of the required amount. This shortfall has led to painful decisions by humanitarian agencies, such as reducing food rations and limiting the number of people eligible for aid.

Countries like Syria have felt the impact. The World Food Program (WFP) reduced its target from feeding 6 million people to just 1 million, due to funding shortfalls. WFP staff in Syria have described the situation as “taking from the hungry to feed the starving.”

Several factors, including ongoing conflicts, political instability, and extreme weather events, are exacerbating famine conditions. Financial pressures and domestic politics in wealthier nations are influencing their aid contributions.

Germany, one of the UN’s largest donors, has reduced its funding by $500 million for 2024, with a proposed $1 billion cut for 2025. The US, the world’s largest contributor, provided $64.5 billion in humanitarian aid over the last five years, but there is uncertainty regarding future aid under President-elect Donald Trump, who previously sought cuts to foreign assistance.

The US, Germany, and the European Commission collectively provide the majority of global humanitarian aid, but countries like China, Russia, and India contribute little. The funding gap and logistical challenges in conflict zones are putting immense strain on hunger relief efforts.

As of 2023, nearly 282 million people in 59 countries were experiencing high levels of acute food insecurity. This financial shortfall has drawn criticism, with some, like Trump’s supporters, pushing for greater efforts to secure more contributions from other donors.

By Vafa Guliyeva