Severe food insecurity is threatening the lives of millions across the globe. According to a recent UN report, the number of people facing catastrophic hunger doubled in 2024.
This surge in the most urgent level of hunger has been driven by violent conflict in Gaza, Sudan, and Haiti — where families are being pushed to the brink of starvation as they lose their homes and livelihoods.
Hunger is just one of the ways that civilians are affected by natural and man-made disasters. From war and displacement to drought and poverty, the humanitarian needs are rising faster than the international community can meet them. There is simply no time to waste.
Mercy Corps is working in 40+ countries to deliver immediate relief, support long-term recovery, and help communities build a better future. But as the risk of famine and acute hunger continues to grow, each and every one of us must renew our commitment to civilian protection in the new year.
Below, you’ll find brief updates from three of the most acute hunger hotspots. But first, sign our pledge demanding the protection of innocent civilians in the face of hunger, conflict, and climate-related disaster?
In August, Mercy Corps worked with partner Save Youth Future Society to distribute food and hygiene kits in Gaza. Photo by Save Youth Future Society
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In the UN’s latest hunger report, it identified 22 countries and territories classified as "hunger hotspots," where hunger is exacerbated by a combination of conflict, economic instability, and climate shocks.
Mercy Corps team members are actively working in many of these countries, delivering critical support and helping families create new sources of food and income. Here are a few places where the situation is dire:
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In Gaza, conditions continue to deteriorate as the conflict drags on, food shortages intensify, and humanitarian aid access remains extremely limited. The lack of aid and surging market prices for basic commodities have left more than 150,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women struggling to feed themselves and their babies. Currently, Gaza’s entire population of more than 2.1 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance. |
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In Sudan, where Mercy Corps has worked since 2004, escalating violence between armed forces has displaced more than 11 million people, while more than 25 million people face acute levels of hunger — including 755,000 at risk of famine. Sudan remains one of the top five "hunger hotspots" that requires the most urgent attention. Mercy Corps is actively responding in Sudan, reaching tens of thousands of people with cash assistance, food vouchers, seeds, and other kinds of aid. |
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In Haiti, which is also listed among the five most urgent hunger hotspots, Mercy Corps has been actively responding after a relentless onslaught of gang violence has devastated civilians across the country. Nearly half of the population now face a hunger crisis. And just last month, more than 40,000 people were driven from their homes by violence over a period of 10 days, leaving behind all their means to earn a living and restricting their access to food and water. |
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As we get closer to a new year, innocent people are set to face more hardships due to war, climate disasters, and poverty. In northern Syria, recent airstrikes are intensifying the already existing hunger and displacement crisis. The surge in violence has destroyed homes, hospitals, bakeries, and key infrastructure — as well as affecting supply chains — leading to shortages and rising food prices.
Mercy Corps will continue working shoulder-to-shoulder with partners and local communities to ensure civilians have the support they need to survive and thrive in Gaza, Sudan, Haiti, Syria, and beyond. Show you support these efforts by signing our pledge for the protection of civilians in crisis zones throughout the year ahead.
Thank you,
The Mercy Corps team
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