Global Hunger Eases for 3rd Year to 645 Million as War and El Niño Threaten Gains
Updated
Updated · Bloomberg · Jul 21
Global Hunger Eases for 3rd Year to 645 Million as War and El Niño Threaten Gains
3 articles · Updated · Bloomberg · Jul 21
Summary
About 645 million people—7.8% of the world’s population—faced hunger in 2025, marking a third straight annual decline, UN agencies said.
Asia drove much of the improvement, while Africa also posted a lower share of people affected, extending the recent retreat in global hunger.
Conflict in the Middle East and the El Niño weather pattern now threaten that progress, the agencies warned, underscoring how war and climate shocks can quickly reverse gains.
Even with the decline, hunger remains above pre-COVID 2019 levels, and 1.4 million people still face catastrophic conditions, concentrated in Gaza and Sudan.
As chronic hunger slowly falls, why has catastrophic starvation exploded nine-fold in the last decade?
With famines in Gaza and Sudan, is the main driver conflict or the collapse of international aid?
How will the Iran war and a new 'super El Niño' reshape global food security next year?
Over 50% of Africans Hungry in 2025: Global Food Insecurity Worsens as Aid Declines and Climate Risks Rise
Overview
In 2025, global hunger remains a critical issue, with Africa facing the highest rates—over half its population experiences moderate or severe food insecurity, far surpassing Asia, Latin America, and Europe. Rural areas and women are especially affected, though the gender gap is narrowing. High food prices force vulnerable families to choose cheaper, less nutritious foods, undermining health and dietary quality. These challenges are made worse by funding cuts and environmental threats, highlighting the urgent need for resilient food systems and targeted policies to protect progress and support those most at risk.