The call comes after the agency released its Global Outlook 2025, assessing global food security needs.
According to WFPFamine continues to increase, with 343 million people across 74 countries experiencing severe food insecurity – increased 10% compared to last year.
This includes 1.9 million people are on the brink of faminewith catastrophic famine recorded in areas such as Gaza, Sudan, South Sudan, Haiti and Mali.
Cindy McCain, WFP Executive Directordescribes the severity of the situation: “Global humanitarian needs are growing, driven by devastating conflicts, more frequent climate disasters and widespread economic instability. However, funding has not kept pace.”
Funding shortfalls in 2024 have forced WFP to scale back its operations, often leaving some of the most vulnerable behind.
Sub-Saharan Africa, land zero
In sub-Saharan Africa, more 170 million people face acute hungermaking the continent the focus of half of WFP’s funding needs for 2025.
Conflicts in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Sahel, combined with climate extremes exacerbated by El Niño, have worsened the crisis.
Humanitarian operations are under significant strain, with increasing displacement and reduced access to essential resources creating further challenges.
Children line up to receive food in Gaza.
Terrible famine in the Middle East
The Middle East is seeing alarming levels of food insecurity, with Gaza, Syria and Yemen being the worst affected areas.
In Gaza, 91% of the population is severely food insecure and 16% are living in dire conditions.
Syria and Yemen face similar challenges, with millions of people dependent on food assistance amid ongoing conflict.
Asia and the Pacific experience climate shocks
In Asia and the Pacific, 88 million people are struggling with hunger due to climate-related disasters.
The region’s vulnerability is exacerbated by extreme weather events that disrupt food systems and livelihoods.
WFP plans to strengthen social protection systems and take pre-emptive action to mitigate the impact of these crises.
WFP distributes hot food to Haitians in the capital Port-au-Prince.
Urgent assistance needed in Latin America
Latin America and the Caribbean were also hit hard More than 40 million people are food insecure and 14.2 million people have been identified as needing immediate assistance.
WFP’s focus in the region includes strengthening food systems, building climate resilience and supporting social protection programs to stabilize vulnerable communities and prevent further decline. withdraw further.
A global call to action
The $16.9 billion endowment will allow the organization to feed 123 million hungriest people globally by 2025
“At WFP, we strive to achieve a world without hunger. But To get there, we urgently need financial and diplomatic support from the international community to reverse the rising tide of global demand and help vulnerable communities build resilience long term. fight food insecurity,” Ms. McCain emphasized.
The agency concluded that in 2025, WFP will continue to prioritize and tailor its responses to each country’s specific needs, while adapting its capabilities and resources to deliver provide high quality programs.
