The World’s Hungriest Countries

Hunger in the Extreme

Every year, millions of people go hungry, but in certain countries, the crisis is especially severe. According to the FAO-WFP report on Hunger Hotspots, these are the world’s most concerning hunger hotspots—places where conflict, climate disasters, and economic instability have pushed families to the brink. Behind every statistic are children going to bed hungry, parents skipping meals to feed their families, and communities struggling to survive in the face of repeated shocks. By understanding where hunger is most extreme and why it persists, we can bring attention to the people who need support most urgently and work together to build a future where no one has to live without food.

Five Hunger Hotspots

Sudan

Sudan is facing one of the world’s worst hunger crises, driven by an ongoing conflict since 2023, which has displaced millions and cut off access to farms, markets, and humanitarian aid. Extreme heat, floods, and economic collapse have further reduced food availability. As a result, about half of the population (21.2 million people) are facing high levels of acute food insecurity (IPC Phase 3 or higher), according to the IPC. Famine has been confirmed in El Fasher and Kadugli, and 20 other areas are at severe risk, while the United Nations has warned that the collapse of essential services in Sudan is sending the country deeper into catastrophe.

People flee their neighborhoods amid fighting between the army and paramilitaries in Khartoum on April 19, 2023, following the collapse of a 24-hour truce.

Dhieng Bol Deng and his family arrive from war torn Sudan with the only belongings they could salvage. Action Against Hunger will now provide them with screening for malnutrition and high energy biscuits.

Atong's upper arm is measured, and she is diagnosed with severe acute malnutrition. Her case is a complicated one - she also has pneumonia. — A child's upper arm is measured for malnutrition. Using this simple color-coded diagnostic band, parents, community volunteers, and health workers can easily see when a child is malnourished and in need of treatment.

Gaza & the West Bank

Famine was confirmed in Gaza on August 15th, 2025, and over half a million people are facing starvation according to the IPC. Almost the entire population is experiencing severe food insecurity due to ongoing conflict, displacement, and aid restrictions that limit access to food, fuel, medicine, and essential services. Infrastructure destruction and limited humanitarian access have left families without reliable food or clean water, while child malnutrition has reached alarming levels. Urgent priorities include guaranteed humanitarian corridors, large-scale food and nutrition deliveries, medical care, and restoration of basic services like water and sanitation.

A woman holds a severely malnourished child in Gaza.

Water trucking in North Gaza in January 2025. — Action Against Hunger provides water trucking in North Gaza in January 2025.

Action Against Hunger aid worker walking amidst rubble in Gaza in January 2025.

Palestinian children look at the rubble of a building destroyed during attacks in Rafah, Gaza.

Health worker screens a child for severe malnutrition in Gaza. — An Action Against Hunger health worker screens a child for severe malnutrition in Gaza.

South Sudan

South Sudan remains in a prolonged emergency, with more than half of its population experiencing high levels of food insecurity. Conflict, large-scale displacement, and repeated flooding continue to prevent households from farming and accessing markets. The arrival of refugees from Sudan has further strained limited resources. Around 7.7 million people are in Crisis or worse (IPC Phase 3+), with some countries in imminent danger of falling into famine if conditions deteriorate.

Gatwal Nhial repairs a solar panel which is their only source of power on his floating grass island in what used to be Wangkotha Village.

Action Against Hunger community health workers measure a child's height in South Sudan.

Achoc and her one year old daughter Atong receive care at an Action Against Hunger nutrition center.

An Action Against Hunger social worker in South Sudan. — An Action Against Hunger social worker supports refugees in South Sudan.

Haiti

Haiti’s hunger crisis is worsening as violence by armed groups disrupts supply chains, blocks access to markets, and forces families from their homes. At the same time, economic collapse and reliance on food imports have left households unable to afford basic staples, while repeated natural disasters continue to damage crops and infrastructure. Over 8,400 people living in displacement camps are experiencing catastrophic hunger in IPC Phase 5 (Catastrophe), and about half the country is facing crisis levels of food insecurity or worse.

Measuring a child’s mid-upper arm circumference with a color-coded, graduated band is a cheap and simple way to detect undernutrition.

Action Against Hunger staff provides WASH education in Haiti.

To help prevent the spread of cholera, Action Against Hunger runs a hygiene awareness session at a market in Haiti.

Action Against Hunger works to support farmers and to improve food insecurity in Haiti.

Mothers give their children treatment for malnutrition at an Action Against Hunger supported health center. — In Haiti, our teams prioritize pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and children under five -- educating caregivers about proper healthcare and feeding practices to prevent malnutrition. Our nutrition staff also screen and treat malnourished children.

Mali

Mali is battling overlapping crises of armed conflict, displacement, climate-related shocks, and the collapse of nutrition services, particularly in the north and center of the country, according to the World Food Programme. Fighting has limited farming and aid access, while drought and poor sanitation have fueled sharp increases in malnutrition among children under five. About 1.5 million people face crisis levels of food insecurity or worse, with thousands at risk of famine-like conditions in some areas. Families urgently need food assistance, nutrition interventions, safe water, and health care, alongside efforts to restore agriculture, rebuild markets, and strengthen community resilience.

A child, carried by his mother, holds a packet of nutrition treatment — A child, carried by his mother, holds a packet of RUTF nutrition treatment in Mali.

Hawa, an Action Against Hunger-trained community health worker, weighs a child as a part of a routine health check up.

Naré Tounkara, matron of the Boudofo Community Health Center in Kita, Mali, measures a child for malnutrition. — “If we continue with treatment and we educate mothers, it is possible to stop malnutrition,” says Naré Tounkara, matron of the Boudofo Community Health Center in Kita, Mali.

An Action Against Hunger aid worker drives a motorbike down a dirt road in Mali

FAQ

How dangerous is hunger?

Hunger is extremely dangerous because it weakens the immune system, increases the risk of disease, and can be fatal if left untreated. Children are especially vulnerable because their bodies aren’t as developed as adults. Prolonged hunger causes malnutrition, which can cause stunted growth, developmental delays, and life-long health problems.

What do people in hunger-affected countries need most right away?

In an emergency, the first priority is immediate access to safe food and clean water so families can survive. Alongside food assistance, people also need safe shelter and basic healthcare, especially treatments for malnutrition in children. Once urgent needs are met, long-term support such as livelihood programs, agricultural aid, and community resilience projects help reduce the risk of future hunger crises.

Is world hunger getting worse?

Global hunger has been rising in recent years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, conflicts, and worsening climate impacts. While progress has been made in the past, the number of people experiencing severe hunger is once again climbing, highlighting the urgent need for action.

Can world hunger be solved?

Yes, world hunger is a solvable problem. Solutions include investing in sustainable farming, improving food systems, addressing inequality, and ensuring humanitarian access in conflict zones. With enough resources and global cooperation, hunger could be eradicated in our lifetime.

How can people in the United States help?

Americans can make a difference by donating to trusted humanitarian organizations, advocating for U.S. support of global food aid, fundraising in their communities, volunteering, and reducing food waste at home. Every action, big or small, helps fight hunger worldwide.