The World Food Programme (WFP) has issued an urgent appeal for $16.9 billion in funding to combat escalating global hunger crises. Executive Director Cindy McCain described the situation as “critical,” highlighting the dire needs in conflict zones such as Syria, Sudan, and the Gaza Strip.
In Syria, millions are experiencing acute food insecurity following recent political upheavals. The WFP has already reduced assistance by nearly 80% this year due to funding shortages, leaving countless families in desperate need. Similarly, Sudan’s ongoing conflict has pushed over 25 million people into humanitarian crises, with the WFP requesting $404 million to replenish food supplies for 2025.
Meanwhile, in the Gaza Strip, the WFP has reported that half of the population is on the brink of starvation. Humanitarian deliveries have sharply decreased, with conditions described as “apocalyptic.”
“The convergence of conflicts, climate extremes, and economic shocks has brought hunger to unprecedented levels,” McCain stated. “Without immediate and substantial funding, we risk witnessing a catastrophic rise in global hunger.”
The WFP’s 2025 Global Outlook estimates that 343 million people across 74 countries are acutely food insecure, a 10% increase from last year. This alarming trend underscores the urgent need for international contributions to prevent further deterioration and potential famine.
McCain has called on global leaders to prioritize food security as an integral part of national and global stability. “This is not just a humanitarian issue—it’s a matter of national security,” she emphasized. With the clock ticking, the WFP continues to appeal for immediate action to address these unrelenting humanitarian needs.
