Global Food Crisis Worsens... 700 Million People Face Hunger

2023 Food Security and Nutrition Status Report Released
783 Million People Facing Hunger... Impact of COVID-19 and Ukraine War

More than 700 million people worldwide suffered from hunger last year.

On the 12th (local time), the Associated Press reported on the '2023 State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI)' report released by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), World Food Programme (WFP), World Health Organization (WHO), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). According to the report, the population facing hunger last year ranged from 691 million to 783 million, averaging 735 million. This means that 700 million people around the globe went hungry.

This figure is similar to the 739 million in the previous year. However, it represents an increase of 122 million compared to 613 million in 2019, before the outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

Last year, 2.4 billion people were unable to consistently access sufficient food supplies, and 148 million children under the age of five suffered from stunted growth due to malnutrition.

The report stated, "While global hunger levels remained stagnant between 2021 and 2022, food crises have intensified in many regions," adding, "In particular, 20% of the populations in West Asia, the Caribbean, and the African continent are experiencing hunger."

The report cited the aftermath of COVID-19 and Russia's invasion of Ukraine as reasons. It pointed out, "Last year, Russia's invasion of Ukraine led to a massive halt in Ukraine's grain production and exports, exacerbating the food crisis."

If this trend continues, the United Nations' goal to end hunger by 2030 is expected to be difficult to achieve. The UN projects that 600 million people worldwide will still suffer from chronic malnutrition in 2030.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.