Rome, June 16 - A joint report by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Food Programme (WFP) has issued a stark warning about escalating hunger in 13 global hotspots.
The "Hunger Hotspots" report highlights Gaza, Sudan, South Sudan, Haiti, and Mali as areas at immediate risk of famine. Conflict, economic shocks, and climate-related hazards are identified as primary drivers of the crisis.
The report predicts worsening food crises in the next five months, emphasizing the need for urgent humanitarian intervention. It calls for increased investment and improved aid delivery, which is currently hampered by insecurity and funding shortages.
In Sudan, the ongoing conflict and displacement are expected to exacerbate the crisis, with nearly 25 million people at risk. South Sudan faces a potential crisis affecting up to 7.7 million people.
In Gaza, the Israeli military operations and blockade have left the entire population facing acute food insecurity. Haiti and Mali are also experiencing severe food crises due to gang violence and conflict respectively.
Other countries of high concern include Yemen, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Myanmar, and Nigeria. The FAO and WFP stress the importance of protecting people's ability to produce food, even in challenging conditions.