The Global Report on Food Crises for 2023 has revealed a concerning rise in acute hunger affecting nearly 282 million people across 59 countries. This marks a significant increase from the previous year, with 24 million more individuals facing food insecurity.
Gaza emerged as the region with the highest number of people on the brink of famine, with over 80% of those facing imminent starvation residing in the war-torn territory. The report also pointed out that five countries have reached Phase 5, the highest level of hunger on the scale, with Gaza, South Sudan, Burkina Faso, Somalia, and Mali among the most severely impacted.
Looking ahead, projections indicate that around 1.1 million people in Gaza and 79,000 in South Sudan could be facing famine by July. The ongoing conflicts in these regions, compounded by factors like gang control in Haiti and the aftermath of the El Nino phenomenon in parts of Africa, continue to exacerbate food insecurity.
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the report as a stark reminder of global failures, emphasizing the urgent need for action to address the root causes of acute hunger and malnutrition. He highlighted the critical importance of funding and access to resources in combating food insecurity.
The report, a collaborative effort involving 16 partners including U.N. agencies and international bodies, underscores the pressing need for a coordinated response to the escalating food crises worldwide. As the numbers of acutely food-insecure individuals continue to rise, concerted efforts are required to avert further humanitarian disasters.
