Archive · 12 Nov 2025
UN Agencies Warn of Famine Risk for Millions, Appeal for Funding
Imagine many families around the world don't have enough food to eat, and some might not have any food at all, which is called famine.
Two big helpers, called the UN agencies WFP and FAO, are saying that this is happening in many countries like Sudan and Gaza.
They used to get a lot of help (money) from different countries to buy food for these families.
But now, some big countries are giving less money, like the United States.
Because there's less money, the helpers can't buy enough food for everyone.
So, they are asking all the countries to send more money very quickly.
They say that if we don't send enough money, millions of people could starve.
They believe that making sure everyone has enough food helps make the world a more peaceful and stable place.
Millions face imminent famine risk in at least a dozen countries, including Sudan and Gaza.
UN agencies WFP and FAO warn of 'catastrophic hunger' in Haiti, Mali, South Sudan, and Yemen.
Six other countries, including Afghanistan, DRC, Myanmar, Nigeria, Somalia, and Syria, are of 'very high concern' for hunger.
Funding shortfalls for humanitarian aid are severe, with only $10.5 billion received against a $29 billion need by the end of October.
Global cuts to international aid, including from major donors like the US, are exacerbating the crisis.
- Who
- Two UN agencies: the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
- What
- Warned that millions of people in at least a dozen crisis spots are at risk of famine and appealed for more funding due to global aid cuts.
- When
- Wednesday
- Where
- At least a dozen crisis spots around the world, including Sudan and Gaza.
- Why
- Due to significant funding shortfalls for humanitarian aid, which are crippling emergency responses and forcing deep ration cuts.
Urgent Need for Funding
Funding Shortfalls
Humanitarian Aid Levels
Urgent Need for Funding
Humanitarian aid funding shortfalls are crippling emergency responses, forcing ration cuts and reducing access to food for the most vulnerable.
Funding Shortfalls
The UN agencies are appealing for more funds, highlighting that only $10.5 billion has been received out of an estimated $29 billion needed by the end of October.
Impact of Aid Cuts
Urgent Need for Funding
Cuts in foreign aid by major nations like the United States are contributing to the crisis.
Funding Shortfalls
The WFP and FAO stated that refugee food assistance is at a breaking point due to these funding issues.
- Warning Issued By
- World Food Programme (WFP) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
- Date of Warning
- Wednesday
- Countries at Risk of Famine
- Sudan, Gaza, Afghanistan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Myanmar, Nigeria, Somalia, Syria, Haiti, Mali, South Sudan, Yemen
- Countries of Very High Concern
- Afghanistan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Myanmar, Nigeria, Somalia, Syria
- Estimated Funding Needed
- $29 billion
- Funding Received (as of end October)
- $10.5 billion