A new joint report by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP) warns that millions of people face extreme hunger, with the risk of famine and death now imminent. Without urgent humanitarian aid and coordinated international efforts to de-escalate conflict and address mass displacement, conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly.
The latest Hunger Hotspots report, covering June to October 2025, highlights Sudan, Palestine, South Sudan, Haiti and Mali as facing the risks. These regions are either already experiencing or rapidly approaching famine-like conditions due to a combination of escalating conflicts, economic collapse, natural disasters and restricted humanitarian access.
Other countries requiring urgent attention include Yemen, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Myanmar, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Chad, Somalia and Syria.
In Myanmar, a major earthquake has worsened an already fragile situation. DRC has returned to the list due to intensifying conflict.
There are signs of improvement in some countries, including Ethiopia, Kenya, Lebanon, Malawi and Zambia, which have been removed from the highest-risk category thanks to improved harvests, reduced conflict or better access. However, FAO and WFP warn these gains remain fragile and could quickly reverse if new shocks occur.
A Call for Immediate Global Action
“This report is a red alert,” said WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain. “We know where hunger is rising and who is at risk. We have the tools—but without funding and access, we cannot save lives.”
FAO Director-General QU Dongyu added, “Protecting people’s farms and animals, even in the harshest conditions, is essential.”
This report emphasises that early humanitarian response is more cost-effective and life-saving than delayed aid. However, fundings gaps and restricted access are limiting the reach of critical food, nutrition and agriculture assistance.
The Hunger Hotspots report makes one thing clear: without immediate action, the world risks witnessing avoidable famine and the loss of countless lives.
For more information, read the full UN report here.
Source: https://iuns.org/2025/06/un-report-warn ... er-crisis/
