World Food Programme Calls for $16.9 Billion Funding to Address Rising Global Hunger Crisis

Global Hunger Crisis

The United Nations' World Food Programme (WFP) has confirmed that it requires approximately $16.9 billion in funding to address the escalating global hunger crisis.

This appeal follows the release of the WFP's Global Outlook 2025 report, which assesses global food security needs. According to the WFP, hunger continues to rise, with 343 million people across 74 countries experiencing acute food insecurity an increase of 10% compared to the previous year.

The WFP emphasized that the $16.9 billion funding would enable the organization to feed 123 million of the world's most food-insecure people in 2025.

According to the WFP's report, 1.9 million people are on the brink of famine, with catastrophic hunger levels reported in areas such as Gaza, Sudan, South Sudan, Haiti, and Mali. Cindy McCain, the WFPs Executive Director, stated, "Global humanitarian needs are growing due to devastating conflicts, increasingly frequent climate disasters, and widespread economic disruptions. However, funding is failing to keep pace." The program explained that a lack of funding in 2024 forced it to scale back activities, often leaving some of the most vulnerable groups unassisted.

The WFP report highlights alarming levels of food insecurity in the Middle East, with Gaza, Syria, and Yemen among the hardest-hit areas. In Gaza, 91% of the population suffers from severe food insecurity, with 16% living in catastrophic conditions.

In sub-Saharan Africa, over 170 million people are facing acute hunger, making the continent the focus of half of the WFP's 2025 funding requirements.

In the Asia-Pacific region, 88 million people are experiencing hunger caused by climate-related disasters. The WFP plans to strengthen social protection systems and implement proactive measures to mitigate the effects of these crises.

According to the UN agencys report, Latin America and the Caribbean are also severely affected, with over 40 million people facing food insecurity, and 14.2 million identified as requiring immediate assistance. In this region, the WFP focuses on enhancing food systems, building climate resilience, and supporting social protection programs to stabilize vulnerable communities and prevent further deterioration.

(QNA)