(MENAFN) A new Hunger Hotspots report issued Monday by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP) reveals that food insecurity will intensify in 13 countries and territories in the coming months, with five confronting an immediate threat of starvation.

The agencies sounded the alarm that populations in Sudan, Palestine, South Sudan, Haiti, and Mali are facing “extreme hunger and risk of starvation and death in the coming months unless there is urgent humanitarian action.”

“These are communities already facing famine, at risk of famine or confronted with catastrophic levels of acute food insecurity,” the report stated, attributing the crisis to mounting conflict, economic shocks, and natural disasters, all worsened by limited access and funding shortages.

FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu emphasized the urgency: “This report makes it very clear: hunger today is not a distant threat – it is a daily emergency for millions.” “We must act now, and act together, to save lives and safeguard livelihoods.”

WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain echoed the warning, stating “this report is a red alert. We know where hunger is rising and we know who is at risk. We have the tools and experience to respond, but without funding and access, we cannot save lives.”

The report drew special attention to Gaza, where the entire population of 2.1 million endures crisis or worse food insecurity, and Sudan, where 637,000 people face catastrophic hunger.

Beyond the five most severely impacted, Yemen, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Myanmar, and Nigeria are designated as hotspots of very high concern. Burkina Faso, Chad, Somalia, and Syria also appear on the list.

Highlighting the importance of timely action, the report concluded, “Preemptive interventions save lives, reduce food gaps, and protect assets and livelihoods.”

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