The convergence of multiple crises – conflict, extreme climate patterns and economic shocks – is driving hunger, eroding livelihoods and entrenching vulnerabilities especially in the hardest hit food crisis countries. This comes at a time when global demand for urgent humanitarian and development assistance remains significantly high, whereas funding levels of WFP have returned to pre-pandemic levels, following the outlier year 2022 generous donations.

More than ever, WFP is undertaking efforts to navigate this challenging humanitarian space by optimizing its available resources and leveraging its extensive field level presence and expertise. WFP continues to prioritize the most vulnerable people with lifesaving assistance in the operations of the highest concern – the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Sahel, Haiti, Sudan regional crisis, Palestine, Yemen and several others at risk of becoming ‘forgotten emergencies’.

Ending world hunger is one of the greatest challenges of our time; as many as 309 million people are facing acute levels of food insecurity in 2024 in the 72 countries with WFP operations and where data is available.

An estimated 42.3 million people across 45 countries will be in Emergency or worse levels of acute food insecurity in 2024. Without urgent life-saving action, these populations will be at risk of falling into catastrophe or famine conditions.

Globally, an estimated 45 million children under 5 were suffering from wasting. In 2024, the convergence of threats may further increase the number of children and pregnant and breastfeeding women affected by acute malnutrition.

Women and girls are bearing the brunt of the food crisis due to the social norms and structural barriers that limit their influence over the use of vital resources.

Between January and December 2023, WFP was able to reach an estimated 150 million people with food, cash and commodity vouchers. This is around 10 million fewer people reached than the same period in 2022.

For 2024, WFP aims to reach 150 million people based on projected needs. WFP requires US$21.1 billion to meet food and nutrition needs this year.