UN warns 345 million people at risk of starvation

Tags: International News

The United Nations World Food Program warned on 16 September that the world is facing a global emergency, because 345 million people are marching toward starvation.

IMPORTANT FACTS -

• David Beasley, executive director of the UN World Food Program, said 345 million people in 82 countries are facing acute food insecurity.

• He said that 50 million people in 45 countries suffer from acute malnutrition.

• This widespread and growing food insecurity is the result of direct and indirect effects of conflict and violence.

• Rising food, fuel and fertilizer prices have driven 70 million people near starvation since Russia invaded neighbouring Ukraine on February 24.

United Nations World Food Program :

• It is the food-assistance branch of the United Nations.

• It is the world's largest humanitarian organization focused on hunger and food security and the largest provider of school meals.

• It aims to fulfil the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), with a priority on achieving SDG 2 for "zero hunger" by 2030.

• It was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020 for its efforts to provide food assistance in areas of conflict.

• Founded -  1961  

• Headquartered -  Rome