A report by the World Food Programme (WFP) has revealed that acute hunger has increased across the world. As a result, 45 million people are living on the edge of famine across 43 countries.

Key Points

• In its earlier report in 2021, WFP had estimated this number at 42 million. But, recent assessment of food security reveals that another three million people facing famine in Afghanistan.
• As per report, fuel prices & food prices are increasing and fertiliser is more expensive. All these factors feed into the new crises of starvation like unfolding in Afghanistan, Yemen and Syria.
• Report highlights that, to curb this situation worldwide, seven billion dollars will be needed, which earlier was estimated as 6.6 billion.
• 5 million Syrians are witnessing an acute hunger, as per report.
• In countries like Haiti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Angola and Burundi, acute hunger has been increasing.

What are the impacts of food insecurity?

The food insecurity in some areas is forcing parents to make choices like marrying off their children early. Parents are pulling children out of school, or they are feeding them locusts, cactus or wild leaves. In Afghanistan, families are reportedly being forced to sell their children to survive.