Famine was confirmed in parts of the Gaza Strip and Sudan in 2025, marking the first time two regions have simultaneously reached the highest level of food crisis since global tracking began, according to the Global Report on Food Crises 2026.

The report found that acute food insecurity remained widespread, affecting around 266 million people across 47 countries and territories in 2025 — nearly double the number recorded in 2016.

The share of the population facing severe hunger has remained above 20 percent annually since 2020.

Famine, classified under the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification system as the most extreme level, was identified in both Gaza and Sudan.

Risks of famine continue in these regions as well as in South Sudan into 2026.

The Gaza Strip recorded the highest proportion globally, with more than 640,000 people — about 32 percent of its population — facing famine conditions. Sudan followed with over 637,000 people affected.

In addition, around 1.4 million people across six countries were living in catastrophic conditions, the most severe level of food insecurity.

Countries including Yemen, Haiti and Mali also reported extreme shortages among parts of their populations.

Conflict remained the leading driver of hunger, impacting more than 147 million people globally.

Weather extremes and economic shocks were also significant contributors.

The report further highlighted the growing impact on children, with an estimated 35.5 million suffering from acute malnutrition in 2025, including nearly 10 million facing life-threatening conditions.

Despite rising needs, funding for food crisis response declined to levels last seen nearly a decade ago, raising concerns that the situation could worsen further in 2026.