UN food program keen to address global hunger crisis affecting 343 million people

The UN's World Food Program (WFP) called for $16.9 billion to combat global food insecurity, which now affects 343 million people across 74 countries.

In its statement, the WFP warned that hunger is approaching levels not seen since the global food crisis triggered by the pandemic, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The WFP's 2025 Global Outlook report reveals that food insecurity has risen by 10 per cent compared to last year, with nearly 1.9 million people at risk of famine. The report attributes this rise to a combination of escalating conflicts, extreme weather events, and economic disruptions that have pushed hunger to unprecedented levels, leading to a surge in demand for humanitarian aid.

The agency also highlighted that funding shortages in 2024 forced it to reduce its operations, leaving many vulnerable populations without assistance. Areas such as Gaza, Sudan, South Sudan, Haiti, and Mali are experiencing particularly severe levels of hunger.

WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain emphasized that while global humanitarian needs are increasing due to conflicts, climate disasters, and economic instability, funding has not kept up with the demand. She pointed out that the $16.9 billion required to help 123 million of the world’s most food-insecure people in 2025 is roughly equivalent to what the world spends on coffee every two weeks.

By Vafa Guliyeva