The shock elements of the German organization Welthungerhilfe, fighting for the fight against hunger, highlight the magnitude of the crisis facing countries such as Gaza, Sudan and Syria. In the midst of world wars, inequalities and the persistent climate crisis, governments – with a characteristic example of Berlin – are significantly cutting the humanitarian aid with visible effects.

Welthungerhilfe’s annual report, recently introduced in the German capital, reveals that ‘One in eleven people worldwide is hungry’. Decrease in funding, conflict and climate change threaten to overturn any previous progress in the fight against world hunger. In spite of adversity, they envision a world without hunger, if it becomes political and economic priority.

Rapid increase in chronic malnutrition

OR tendency is obvious: 733 million people They suffer from chronic malnutrition, with an increase of more than 150 million in the last five years. At the same time, as the main donors – USA and Germany – drastically restrict growth and humanitarian budgets, the question is pressured: Less money is equivalent to more human casualties?

As Welthungerhilfe President Marlene Time points out, “The cuts cost lives. What is called austerity on the cards, for millions of people translates into hunger, flight or even death. “. The definitive elimination of hunger must remain a political priority, especially in the face of the constant increase in conflicts and crisis.

Human tragedies in Gaza, Sudan and Syria

Particularly Hard are affected by the population of Gaza and Sudan. Palestinian society has been experiencing the worst humanitarian crisis in recent decades: over 90% has been displaced after the Israeli-Hamas conflict, nearly two million relying solely on food aid, and 345,000 are on the verge of hunger. Prices of basic goods are launched – “No one can even endure the elementary”.

To SudanDespite the low publicity, there is an equally dramatic tragedy, with eleven millions of internal displaced and twenty -five million to need immediate help – almost half the population. As Secretary -General Matthias Mogke points out, working conditions for members of humanitarian organizations are now one of the most dangerous in the world.

To Syriafifteen million people depend on the help, fourteen years after the outbreak of the civil war. Inadequate access to water, food, health and educational care coupled with the extreme increased cost of living, are shaping conditions of a permanent crisis.

The importance of prevention and international commitment

Welthungerhilfe underlines its value timely prevention against humanitarian disasters. Quick risk recognition and immediate mobilization of resources can prevent the loss of any means of survival for millions of people. The aim is for the affected communities to stand on their feet again, without having to start from scratch.

Indicative of the project scale, the organization operates in 37 countries with more than 300 local partners, utilizing a budget of almost € 400 million for 2024, with aid from the German state, the EU and international organizations.

As the organization’s annual report typically states: “Hunger and violent conflicts are closely linked: Without a safe food chain, there can be no peace, and without peace hunger is perpetuated”.

There is a clear appeal to the international community for promotion political and diplomatic solutions against the escalating military spending, which is increasing sharply at the expense of humanitarian aid. Although, for example, Germany doubles its defensive budget in the coming years, humanitarian aid costs are drastically reduced, demonstrating one divergence by international commitments.

Curated by: Costas Argyros