Global hunger worsens as wealthy nations cut aid, leaving 117 million people without essential support in 2025, warns the UN.
The global hunger crisis is intensifying as a growing number of people face food insecurity while contributions from major donor nations decline. According to the United Nations, nearly 307 million people are expected to require humanitarian aid in 2025, yet current funding levels suggest that only 60% of this need will be met. This leaves at least 117 million individuals without essential support, such as food and basic necessities.
In 2024, the U.N. secured only 46% of its $49.6 billion humanitarian aid target, marking the second consecutive year of falling short. This funding gap has forced organizations to make difficult decisions, such as reducing rations for the hungry and cutting aid eligibility. For instance, the World Food Program (WFP) in Syria scaled back its efforts from assisting six million people to just one million, prioritizing the starving over the hungry, as noted by Rania Dagash-Kamara, WFP’s assistant executive director.
Challenges Amid Rising Needs
Widespread conflict, political instability, and climate change are exacerbating hunger crises worldwide, leaving humanitarian agencies stretched thin. U.N. officials, including Tom Fletcher, under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs, have warned of continued struggles to meet the rising demand for aid.
Wealthy nations, traditionally the largest contributors, are scaling back. Germany, a top donor, reduced humanitarian aid by $500 million from 2023 to 2024 and is considering further cuts for 2025. In the U.S., President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming administration raises uncertainty over future aid policies, as his advisers advocate for reductions in foreign aid and a shift in burden-sharing to other nations.
Disparities in Contributions
The U.S., Germany, and the European Commission collectively accounted for 58% of global humanitarian aid from 2020 to 2024. Meanwhile, emerging powers like China and India contributed less than 1%, despite their economic prominence. Critics, including Jan Egeland of the Norwegian Refugee Council, have called out such disparities, questioning priorities as these nations invest heavily in global spectacles like the Olympics or space exploration.
China defends its focus on domestic food security, citing the need to feed its 1.4 billion population, while India has not responded to queries regarding its limited contributions.
Systemic Inefficiencies and Aid Limitations
Delays and restrictions in aid delivery further complicate relief efforts. Conditions imposed by donors, including earmarking funds and branding requirements, limit the flexibility of humanitarian agencies. In the U.S., nearly all contributions to the WFP come with such restrictions, which, while intended to ensure accountability, can hinder timely responses to crises.
Cases of fraud and inefficiency, such as aid diversions in Ethiopia, have also fueled donor skepticism. The U.N. acknowledges these challenges and is working to address them while advocating for a more sustainable funding model.
Calls for Change
Former U.N. humanitarian relief chief Martin Griffiths has called for a revamped funding approach, including diversifying the donor base and revisiting proposals for mandatory contributions by member states. However, donor nations have resisted such systemic changes, preferring voluntary contributions.
As the global hunger crisis worsens, the U.N. faces mounting pressure to adapt its operations and secure additional resources to meet growing needs. Without urgent action, millions will continue to face hunger and the devastating consequences of inadequate aid.
The former British ambassador to the U.S. Peter Mandelson has been arrested by police in London on suspicion of misconduct in public office....
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said nuclear talks with United States have “yielded encouraging signals” stressing Iran’s readiness “f...
At least 25 members of Mexico's National Guard have died during a wave of violence in the state of Jalisco after the killing of a drug lord, the count...
The European Parliament on Monday (23 February) postponed a vote on the EU’s trade deal with the U.S. after President Donald Trump imposed a blanket...
The U.S. Supreme Court has overturned key elements of President Donald Trump’s global tariff policy, creating uncertainty ahead of his March meeting...
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) said on Friday that its life‑saving food and nutrition assistance in Somalia could end by April without urgent funding, leaving millions at risk of severe hunger.
Afghanistan is confronting an escalating humanitarian emergency as freezing winter conditions, widespread food insecurity and sharp reductions in international aid leave millions struggling to survive, aid agencies have warned.
The UN has warned of an “ugly” humanitarian situation in El-Fasher, North Darfur, where civilians fleeing violence are at risk of starvation and ransom demands, officials said Monday.
Malawi’s President Arthur Peter Mutharika has declared a state of emergency in 11 districts following severe drought conditions that have left millions at risk of hunger.
A seven-month-old Japanese macaque has drawn international attention after forming an unusual bond with a stuffed orangutan toy after being rejected by its mother.
Divers have recovered the bodies of seven Chinese tourists and a Russian driver after their minibus broke through the ice of on Lake Baikal in Russia, authorities said.
Iran announced on Saturday (21 February) that it has designated the naval and air forces of European Union member states as “terrorist entities” in a reciprocal move after the EU blacklisted the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Pakistan said it carried out cross-border strikes on militant targets inside Afghanistan after blaming a series of recent suicide bombings, including attacks during the holy month of Ramadan, on fighters it said were operating from Afghan territory.
Italy said a fond farewell to the Winter Olympics on Sunday with an open-air ceremony in the ancient Verona Arena that celebrated art and sporting achievement at a Games lauded as a model for how to stage such events.
The former British ambassador to the U.S. Peter Mandelson has been arrested by police in London on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
At least 25 members of Mexico's National Guard have died during a wave of violence in the state of Jalisco after the killing of a drug lord, the country's security minister has said.
The European Parliament on Monday (23 February) postponed a vote on the EU’s trade deal with the U.S. after President Donald Trump imposed a blanket 15% import duty.
The U.S. Supreme Court has overturned key elements of President Donald Trump’s global tariff policy, creating uncertainty ahead of his March meeting with China’s Xi Jinping. The ruling raises fresh questions about the future of U.S.-China trade relations and the stability of the global economy.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has written to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to say he would back any UK government plan to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession, a statement shared by Starmer's office said.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment