Did Over 673 Million People Experience Hunger in 2024?
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Synopsis
A recent UN report reveals that 673 million people worldwide faced hunger in 2024, highlighting regional disparities and urgent challenges for food security. With Africa hit hardest, the findings underscore the need for intensified efforts to combat food insecurity, especially as the world strives for Zero Hunger by 2030. Discover the critical insights from this alarming report.
Key Takeaways
- 8.2% of the global population faced hunger in 2024.
- Hunger in Africa surpassed 20% of the population.
- Projected 512 million people could be undernourished by 2030.
- Uneven progress in reducing hunger levels globally.
- Need for intensified efforts to achieve SDG 2.
New Delhi, July 28 (NationPress) A staggering 8.2 percent of the world’s population, equivalent to approximately 673 million individuals, faced hunger in 2024, as reported by the United Nations on Monday. The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI 2025) report, issued by five specialized UN agencies, revealed a reduction in hunger levels from 8.5 percent in 2023 and 8.7 percent in 2022.
Nonetheless, the progress was not uniform across the globe, with hunger rates escalating in numerous sub-regions of Africa and Western Asia, according to the findings.
In Africa, the hunger rate exceeded 20 percent in 2024, impacting 307 million people, while in Western Asia, an estimated 12.7 percent of the population, translating to over 39 million, may have experienced hunger.
The report also anticipates that by 2030, 512 million individuals could face chronic undernourishment, with nearly 60 percent of these individuals residing in Africa. This underscores the significant challenge of attaining SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), as highlighted in the report unveiled during the Second UN Food Systems Summit Stocktake (UNFSS+4) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
“Although it is heartening to witness a decline in the global hunger statistics, we must acknowledge that the advancements are inconsistent. The SOFI 2025 report serves as a vital reminder that we must amplify our efforts to guarantee that everyone has access to adequate, safe, and nutritious food,” stated FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu.
Interestingly, the report pointed out that the global policy response to the Covid-19 pandemic, marked by extensive fiscal and monetary efforts, coupled with the repercussions of conflicts and extreme climatic conditions, has exacerbated inflationary trends.
This inflation in food prices has obstructed the post-pandemic resurgence in food security and nutrition.
Low-income nations have been particularly affected by the surging food prices.
“In recent years, there has been commendable progress in reducing stunting and promoting exclusive breastfeeding; however, substantial work remains to alleviate millions from the struggles of food insecurity and malnutrition,” remarked WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
The report advocates for a blend of policy measures to manage food price inflation. This includes targeted, time-bound fiscal strategies like social protection programs to shield vulnerable households and monetary policies to mitigate inflationary pressures, among other suggestions.
Point of View
It is imperative to prioritize concerted efforts to address food insecurity, particularly in vulnerable regions. Nation always stands for equitable solutions and will continue to advocate for the necessary policy measures to eradicate hunger.
NationPress
31/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of the global population experienced hunger in 2024?
Approximately 8.2 percent of the global population, or about 673 million people, experienced hunger in 2024 according to the UN report.
Which regions are most affected by hunger?
Africa and Western Asia are the regions most affected by hunger, with over 20 percent of Africa's population facing food insecurity.
What does the SOFI 2025 report project for the future?
The SOFI 2025 report projects that 512 million people could be chronically undernourished by 2030, with nearly 60 percent of them in Africa.
What is SDG 2?
SDG 2 refers to Sustainable Development Goal 2, which aims to end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture.
What actions are recommended to address food price inflation?
The report recommends a combination of targeted fiscal measures and monetary policies to control food price inflation and support vulnerable households.
