Sudan has been identified as one of the world’s most critical hunger hot spots, with the United Nations warning that worsening conflict, funding shortages and climate shocks are pushing millions closer to starvation in the months ahead.
In a joint report released on Wednesday, the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization and World Food Programme said acute hunger is expected to deteriorate across 13 global hot spots between June and November 2026.
The agencies warned that around 266 million people are already facing high levels of acute food insecurity, underscoring the need for urgent international action.
Sudan, South Sudan, Yemen and the blockaded Gaza Strip were highlighted as the areas of greatest concern, where conflict and restricted humanitarian access continue to drive severe food shortages.
In Gaza, sustained Israeli military operations and wider regional tensions have further constrained the delivery of critical aid to vulnerable populations.
Nigeria and Somalia were added to the highest alert category due to escalating violence and growing risks of famine, while seven other countries, including Lebanon and Madagascar, are grappling with worsening food deficits.
The report said conflict remains the leading cause of hunger, disrupting markets, agricultural production and livelihoods, while funding cuts and extreme weather are compounding the crisis.
The agencies also warned that spillover effects from the Middle East conflict and an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are hampering humanitarian operations, leaving a shrinking window to prevent a broader humanitarian catastrophe.
