MANILA: Hunger is projected to worsen in 16 “hotspots” around the globe, including Sudan, where conflict has left millions at risk of starving, according to a report released Thursday. The report highlights severe food insecurity facing 22 countries, urging immediate global intervention.

According to Philippines News Agency, the report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Program (WFP) emphasizes acute food shortages in regions such as Nigeria, Sudan, Yemen, Ethiopia, Myanmar, Syria, and South Sudan, listing them as areas of highest concern. In Sudan alone, 25 million people face severe hunger, highlighting the scale of the crisis as millions globally remain at risk. Cindy McCain, WFP Executive Director, underscored the urgent need for global support to address both immediate needs and the root causes of hunger.

The report additionally focuses on Palestine, where unprecedented food insecurity is primarily affecting the Gaza Strip. Escalating hostilities have nearly tripled the n
umber of people experiencing catastrophic levels of food insecurity, raising alarms about potential worst-case scenarios.

Concerns are also raised about deteriorating conditions in Lebanon, Mozambique, Haiti, Somalia, and Mali. Factors complicating crisis responses include high food prices, climate effects, and limited access. Conflict, climate events, and economic downturns are driving severe hunger and displacement, with hundreds of thousands at risk of famine in certain regions.

An added risk noted in the report is the likely persistence of El Niño from January to March 2025. El Niño, a natural climate phenomenon, warms ocean surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific, raising concerns about climate extremes affecting vulnerable nations.

The report concludes by encouraging urgent humanitarian action to save lives and livelihoods, aiming to prevent starvation and death in these critical hotspots.