One in every eleven individuals worldwide is experiencing hunger, as per a report by an aid organization.
Global Hunger Crisis Worsens Amidst Pandemic, Conflict, and Funding Cuts
The world is facing a sharp increase in global hunger and food insecurity, with the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical instability, climate challenges, and donor funding constraints all contributing to the crisis.
According to Marlehn Thieme, the president of World Hunger Aid, one in eleven people worldwide is currently experiencing hunger, and as many as 343 million people are facing acute hunger in 74 countries served by the World Food Programme (WFP). Up to 1.9 million people are estimated to be on the brink of famine, primarily in Gaza, Sudan, South Sudan, Haiti, and Mali.
The pandemic has severely disrupted food supply chains and increased food prices, especially in low-income countries where food accounts for a large share of household expenses. Since late 2020, food retail prices have risen sharply, even while international food commodity prices fell after 2022. This has exacerbated hunger and malnutrition, complicating progress toward the UN's Sustainable Development Goal of zero hunger by 2030.
World Hunger Aid, a leading organization in the fight against hunger, carried out 649 overseas projects in 37 countries in 2021, supporting around 18.7 million people. However, the organization has expressed concern over cuts to aid funds in both the United States and Germany. In the area of humanitarian aid, around one billion euros are planned for this year, which is 53 percent less than last year.
The situation in the Gaza Strip is particularly dire. The few available food items are prohibitively expensive, with 25 kilograms of wheat costing over 500 US dollars. The supply of food in Gaza is largely handled by the controversial Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, with reports of deadly incidents near their distribution centers.
The fuel for a water desalination plant operated by World Hunger Aid in Gaza is running low and often cannot reach the plant due to bombardments and evacuations. Mathias Mogge, the General Secretary of World Hunger Aid, has criticized cuts in the budget of the development aid ministry.
Despite these challenges, World Hunger Aid continues to support local farmers by providing better seed or helping them switch to other agricultural methods. The organization's operational requirement for 2025 is $16.9 billion, aiming to reach 123 million vulnerable food-insecure people. Meeting these needs has become more challenging due to funding shortfalls from major donor countries, including the US and Germany.
In conclusion, the recent increase in global hunger is a complex issue with multiple contributing factors. The pandemic, geopolitical instability, climate challenges, and donor funding cuts have all played a role in exacerbating the crisis. It is essential that funding for organizations like World Hunger Aid is maintained to ensure that vulnerable populations receive the aid they need to survive.
References: [1] World Food Programme. (2021). The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2021. Retrieved from https://www.fao.org/state-of-food-security-nutrition/en/ [2] United Nations. (2021). The Global Hunger Index 2021. Retrieved from https://www.globalhungerindex.org/ghi2021/ [3] Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (2021). The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2021. Retrieved from https://www.fao.org/3/ca9549en/ca9549en.pdf [4] World Hunger Aid. (2022). Retrieved from https://www.worldhungeraid.org/
Despite the complexities of the global hunger crisis, advances in science and technology can play a crucial role in improving health-and-wellness outcomes for food-insecure populations. For instance, with proper funding, organizations like World Hunger Aid could leverage scientific research to develop more efficient agriculture practices, thus reducing food prices and increasing food security. Additionally, the integration of health-and-wellness initiatives within these programs could help combat malnutrition and improve overall well-being among those affected by hunger.
