The United Nations has reported that unless immediate humanitarian action and concerted international efforts are taken to de-escalate conflicts, halt displacement, and intensify comprehensive humanitarian responses, five global hunger hotspots—South Sudan, Haiti, Mali, Palestine, and Sudan are on the verge of famine and starvation in the coming months.

The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and World Food Programme (WFP) released the “Hunger Hotspots” report, which states that acute food insecurity is getting worse in 13 countries and regions, according to the UN News website. 

The list covers the five nations above: Yemen, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Myanmar, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Chad, Somalia, and Syria.

The report emphasises the importance of continued investment in early humanitarian action, stressing the need for preventive interventions to save lives, reduce food gaps, and protect assets and livelihoods, significantly more cost-effective measures than delayed responses.

FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu stated, “This report makes it clear that hunger is not a distant threat—it is a daily emergency for millions of people,” adding, “We must act now, collectively, to save lives and protect livelihoods.

WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain called the report a “red alert.” 

She emphasised that “the humanitarian community possesses the necessary tools and expertise to respond,” yet cautioned, “However, without adequate funding and access, our ability to save lives is compromised.”

Source: SANA