Updated · World Health Organization (WHO) · Jul 21
UN Says 7.8% Faced Hunger in 2025 as 2.1 Billion Still Lacked Food Security
Updated
Updated · World Health Organization (WHO) · Jul 21
UN Says 7.8% Faced Hunger in 2025 as 2.1 Billion Still Lacked Food Security
3 articles · Updated · World Health Organization (WHO) · Jul 21
Summary
7.8% of the world’s population—about 645 million people—faced hunger in 2025, while 2.1 billion experienced moderate or severe food insecurity, according to the UN’s SOFI 2026 report.
The report said food security and nutrition improved modestly in 2025, extending recent gains and showing the first signs of improvement in Africa since the 2030 Agenda began.
Healthy diets still remained out of reach for billions, especially in Africa, where about two-thirds of people cannot afford one; women, young children and rural communities continued to face the widest gaps.
UN agencies said the progress is uneven and still insufficient to meet 2030 goals, underscoring the need for coordinated policies to cut structural costs and strengthen food systems.
As chronic hunger slowly falls, why has catastrophic starvation exploded nine-fold in the last decade?
With famines in Gaza and Sudan, is the main driver conflict or the collapse of international aid?
How will the Iran war and a new 'super El Niño' reshape global food security next year?
Over 50% of Africans Hungry in 2025: Global Food Insecurity Worsens as Aid Declines and Climate Risks Rise
Overview
In 2025, global hunger remains a critical issue, with Africa facing the highest rates—over half its population experiences moderate or severe food insecurity, far surpassing Asia, Latin America, and Europe. Rural areas and women are especially affected, though the gender gap is narrowing. High food prices force vulnerable families to choose cheaper, less nutritious foods, undermining health and dietary quality. These challenges are made worse by funding cuts and environmental threats, highlighting the urgent need for resilient food systems and targeted policies to protect progress and support those most at risk.