UNICEF – Over 295 million people in 53 countries faced acute hunger in 2024, UNICEF reported on May 16.
The Global Report on Food Crises 2024, published by UNICEF and partners, shows an increase of 13.7 million people from 2023.
UNICEF found that 22.6% of the assessed population endured critical food insecurity, marking a sixth straight year of worsening hunger.
“This is not only a crisis of food,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell, “but a crisis of humanity and accountability.”
The report documented 1.9 million people suffering catastrophic hunger, the highest figure since tracking began in 2016.
Children were the most affected. In 26 nutrition emergencies, nearly 38 million under-fives were acutely malnourished.
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UNICEF identified Gaza, Sudan, Yemen, and Mali among the hardest-hit regions for child malnutrition in 2024.
Conflict, economic instability, climate extremes, and forced displacement continue to drive food crises globally, the report found.
Nearly 95 million forcibly displaced people lived in food-insecure countries, including Sudan, Syria, Colombia, and the DRC.
“This is a failure of humanity,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres. “We cannot respond to empty stomachs with empty hands.”
The outlook for 2025 remains grim, with the report forecasting historic cuts in humanitarian aid for food and nutrition.
Situational ethics now challenge the global community to act amid reduced donor funding and escalating humanitarian needs.
UNICEF urged immediate, coordinated international action to address both short-term hunger and long-term systemic causes.