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July 30, 2024

Anna Murray 

In 2023, global hunger affected approximately 733 million people, representing 9% of the world's population. This statistic marks a concerning rise from previous years, driven by multiple crises including the COVID-19 pandemic, climate shocks, and ongoing conflicts such as the war in Ukraine. Africa remains the hardest hit region, with one in five people suffering from hunger, highlighting severe regional disparities. In contrast, Asia and Latin America have shown some progress in food security.

Food insecurity also remains alarmingly high, with about 2.33 billion people, or 29% of the global population, experiencing moderate or severe food insecurity. This represents an increase of 391 million people since 2019, further exacerbating the challenge of ensuring adequate nutrition for all.

Children are particularly vulnerable, with 148 million children under five years of age stunted, 45 million wasted, and 37 million overweight in 2022. Malnutrition rates are notably higher in rural areas compared to urban settings, underscoring the need for targeted interventions.

The drivers of hunger are multifaceted, including conflicts, economic downturns, and climate change. These factors have created a "new normal" of food insecurity and malnutrition, making the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of ending hunger by 2030 increasingly unlikely. Projections suggest that nearly 600 million people will still face hunger by 2030 if current trends continue.

To address this crisis requires urgent, coordinated global efforts and significant financial investments. Transforming agrifood systems, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and building resilience against future shocks are essential steps toward achieving zero hunger and ensuring food security for all. The global community must intensify its efforts to combat hunger and malnutrition, prioritizing the most vulnerable populations to make meaningful progress.