The United Nations has issued a stark warning over a growing global hunger crisis, highlighting that severe food insecurity has reached alarming levels in at least 16 countries, with Gaza among the regions experiencing conditions described as “catastrophic.”

A joint report titled “Hunger Hotspots”, released by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP), identifies Palestine, Sudan, South Sudan, Mali, Haiti, and Yemen as the six countries at highest risk of famine or famine-like conditions.

The report underscores that millions of people in these nations are already suffering extreme deprivation, as conflict, economic collapse, and climate shocks continue to drive hunger.

Other countries facing rapidly worsening food insecurity include the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria, Myanmar, Somalia, Syria, Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Chad, and Kenya, while the situation for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh is also deteriorating.

WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain stressed that hunger is preventable, urging swift international response.

“The world has the knowledge, tools, and resources to prevent famine — what’s missing is political will and swift response,” McCain said, noting that children remain the most vulnerable to malnutrition and its long-term consequences.

FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu pointed out that conflict remains the main driver of hunger, compounded by economic instability and climate-related disasters such as droughts, floods, and El Niño events.

According to the report, armed conflicts and violence are the primary cause of hunger in 14 of the 16 identified hotspots, while economic crises, soaring food prices, and environmental shocks continue to exacerbate the crisis.

The UN agencies called for urgent and preventive action, warning that delays could cost lives that might still be saved and intensify the humanitarian toll worldwide.

“Immediate intervention is critical to prevent famine and protect millions of vulnerable communities,” the report concludes, emphasizing the need for global solidarity and rapid mobilization of resources. (ILKHA)