Global Hunger Declines, But Remains Above Pre-Pandemic Levels

The latest United Nations report on Food Security and Nutrition indicates a global decline in hunger, with 645 million people facing hunger in 2025, down by 14 million from the previous year. However, despite this reduction, current hunger levels remain elevated compared to pre-COVID benchmarks, with ongoing challenges posed by conflict, economic shocks, and climate change.

Africa continues to be a critical region for hunger issues, hosting nearly half of the world's undernourished at 309 million people in 2025. This figure represents one in five individuals on the continent. Contrastingly, Asia and Latin America and the Caribbean have succeeded in decreasing both the share and absolute numbers of malnourished populations.

Despite observed improvements, projections suggest that by 2030, 510 to 520 million individuals will still be undernourished, with a significant concentration in Africa. Recent geopolitical tensions, notably the 2026 US-Israel conflict involving Iran, pose a risk to sustained progress in regions like Africa and Asia, further complicating global efforts to alleviate hunger.