A report released by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has warned 274 million people could be in need of humanitarian assistance next year, with the world battling the ‘worst hunger crisis this century’. The number of people at risk of famine has risen 60% since before the Covid-19 pandemic.
The letter calls on world leaders to fund a $41 billion (over £30m) to prevent famine globally and to address the emergencies fueling global hunger such as conflict, climate change and Covid-19.
Children are amongst the most at risk- severe malnutrition affects over 45 million children globally, which is the cause of about 45% of deaths of children aged under five.
Mike Bonke, Action Against Hunger's country director in Afghanistan, said: “In over 15 years working in the aid sector, I can’t remember the humanitarian situation looking so bleak. The threat of famine looms large in several countries and yet it feels like world leaders are watching from the stands.
“In Afghanistan, we already have waiting lists in some of our malnutrition wards and this situation is only going to get worse as winter sets in and food supplies dwindle. The needs on the ground remain astronomical and I predict a very tough winter ahead."