There are over 8 billion people on the planet — nearly one billion are hungry. Here’s what you need to know this World Hunger Day.
What is driving the global food crisis?
Conflict, climate change and economic shocks are the biggest drivers of food crises around the world. 70% of people living in conflict-afflicted areas are hungry. But by 2050, the world will be even hungrier if we fail to take action against the climate crisis.
Where are the worst hunger hotspots?
Food insecurity reaches far and wide, but those most impacted by the global hunger crisis live across Africa and the Middle East. Today, the countries suffering from severe hunger are:
- Democratic Republic of Congo — 26 million
- Afghanistan — 20 million
- Yemen — 17 million
- Syria — 12 million
- The Sahel Region — 13 million
- Sudan — 16 million
- South Sudan — 8 million
- Somalia — 6 million
“We eat when we have food, but there are days when we go hungry, and sometimes the children have to beg for food.” — Sadiya (MSF, Sudan)
Who is most at risk of hunger and malnutrition?
Over half of the people facing food insecurity are women and children. Sadly, when food is scarce, women and young girls are often the last to eat; many parents sacrifice multiple meals a day to feed their children, and some go for days without eating. To try to survive, children are pulled from school and many adolescent girls are forced into marriage.
“I do not have money for food. If I eat in the morning, I have nothing left for lunch and dinner.” — Mayasa (MSF, Yemen)
Let’s end world hunger and malnutrition now
To create a food-secure world, we must invest in women and children. Support humanitarian organizations such as MSF with a donation today.
Image & Video Source: ICRC
