Global hunger crisis: five nations placed on maximum alert status

The United Nations has issued a grave warning regarding the escalating food crisis in Gaza, Haïti, Soudan, Soudan du Sud, and Mali. These territories have been elevated to the highest alert level, signaling that their populations face an imminent threat of starvation unless the global community intervenes immediately.

According to a joint analysis by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP), without a massive and rapid scale-up of humanitarian assistance, residents in these five critical areas are likely to experience extreme starvation and potential death in the coming months. Cindy McCain, the Executive Director of the WFP, described the findings as a “red alert,” emphasizing that the locations of rising hunger and the populations at risk are clearly identified.

The report highlights that these devastating crises are being intensified by increasing difficulties in reaching those in need and significant shortfalls in necessary funding.

Critical concerns in Gaza and Soudan

In Soudan, famine conditions were officially recognized in 2024. International observers expect this catastrophe to persist due to ongoing fighting and mass internal displacement, particularly within the Grand Kordofan and Grand Darfour regions. Projections suggest that roughly 24.6 million people will endure crisis levels of food insecurity or worse, with 637,000 individuals facing catastrophic conditions through May 2025.

Meanwhile, in Gaza, the danger of widespread famine is intensifying as large-scale military actions block the delivery of essential food and medical supplies. The entire population of the enclave—approximately 2.1 million people—is expected to suffer from acute food insecurity, with 470,000 people projected to reach catastrophic levels by September 2025.

Catastrophic conditions in Haïti and Soudan du Sud

The outlook for Soudan du Sud remains bleak, with two specific regions at high risk of famine. Between April and July 2025, about 7.7 million people—representing 57% of the nation—are expected to face severe acute food insecurity, including 63,000 people in catastrophic circumstances.

In Haïti, unprecedented levels of gang violence and general instability are forcing families to flee and preventing aid from reaching vulnerable groups. In the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area, more than 8,400 internally displaced persons are already experiencing catastrophic food insecurity, a situation expected to last through June 2025.

Escalating hunger in Mali and other regions

In Mali, the combination of high grain costs and persistent conflict is destroying the survival mechanisms of the poorest households. Estimates indicate that 2,600 people could fall into catastrophic food insecurity between June and August 2025 if relief is not delivered promptly.

Beyond these primary hotspots, the Yémen, the République démocratique du Congo, Myanmar, and Nigéria are classified as areas of very high concern requiring immediate action to prevent loss of life. Other nations on the watch list include Burkina Faso, Tchad, Somalie, and Syrie.

FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu noted that hunger is a daily reality for millions rather than a distant threat, calling for collective and immediate action to protect lives and livelihoods.

Positive shifts and the funding gap

On a more positive note, several countries have been removed from the hunger hotspot list, including Éthiopie, Kenya, Liban, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibie, Niger, Zambie, and Zimbabwe. Improved weather for farming and a reduction in extreme climate events helped stabilize food security in parts of East and Southern Africa, as well as Niger. Liban was also removed as military intensity decreased.

However, the global situation remains fragile. Severe budget deficits are forcing aid agencies to cut food rations, limiting the effectiveness of nutritional and agricultural programs. Cindy McCain warned that while the expertise to respond exists, the window to prevent widespread famine is closing fast due to lack of funding and restricted access.