Hunger situation worsens in 32 nations, especially sub-Saharan Africa
The latest World Hunger Index shows that hunger levels have deteriorated in 32 countries since 2018, with sub-Saharan Africa most affected.
Welthungerhilfe, together with two partner organisations, published an updated World Hunger Index that records a rise in hunger levels for the first time since the series began in 2000. The index, which measures under-nutrition, malnutrition and child mortality, indicates that 32 countries have experienced a worsening since 2018, and another 20 have seen little improvement. Sub-Saharan Africa bears the brunt, with seven of the eight nations classified as alarming located there, as well as the three biggest acute nutrition crises worldwide.
Analyses by Aktion gegen den Hunger point to armed conflict, displacement, droughts, floods and high food prices as key causes. Humanitarian funding for nutrition aid in crisis zones has fallen sharply between 2022 and 2025, limiting the reach of assistance programmes.
Why it matters
Rising hunger threatens health and stability for millions, especially in vulnerable African regions.
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