The number of people going hungry around the world is increasing, but the money from wealthy nations to help them is decreasing. According to the United Nations (UN), it will only be able to provide aid to 60% of the 307 million people who will need help next year. This means that about 117 million people will not receive food or assistance in 2025.
By the end of 2024, the UN will have raised only 46% of the $49.6 billion it needed for global humanitarian aid. This is the second year in a row that the UN has raised less than half of what it asked for, forcing agencies to cut back on food and reduce the number of people who can get aid.
In places like Syria, this shortfall is being felt deeply. The World Food Program (WFP), which feeds millions, had to reduce the number of people it can help. Earlier this year, it aimed to help 6 million people in Syria but has now reduced that number to 1 million. WFP staff have said they are “taking from the hungry to feed the starving.”
UN officials are concerned, as conflicts, political instability, and extreme weather conditions continue to worsen hunger and famine. They are having to scale back their appeals to those most in need.
