Hunger: The number of hungry people in the world is on the rise, while the financial aid provided by rich countries is decreasing. According to the United Nations (UN), the funds currently available are insufficient to combat global hunger effectively. By 2025, 117 million of the 307 million undernourished people worldwide may remain without access to adequate food.
Funding Shortfalls and Tough Decisions
In 2024, the UN aimed to raise ₹4,960 crore for humanitarian aid. However, they managed to secure only 46% of the target amount. This marks the second consecutive year where less than half of the required funds were raised. As a result, the UN has faced difficult decisions, such as reducing the quantity of food delivered to the hungry and limiting the number of people who can receive aid.
The repercussions are being felt in countries like Syria, where the World Food Programme (WFP) initially provided food assistance to 6 million people. This year, due to financial constraints, they expect to reach only 1 million. Last March, WFP workers in Syria admitted they were no longer feeding all the hungry but focusing on only the most desperate cases.
Why Is Aid Decreasing?
The demand for humanitarian aid has grown due to escalating conflicts, extreme weather events, and severe inflation. Yet, contributions from donor countries have declined. Rich nations themselves face financial pressures and shifting domestic political priorities.
Germany, one of the largest donors, plans to cut its contributions significantly. In 2024, Germany intends to contribute $500 million less, with further reductions of $1 billion under consideration. The final decision will be made after parliamentary elections in February.
Meanwhile, uncertainty surrounds the United States’ position. With Donald Trump set to take office as U.S. President, humanitarian organizations are awaiting his administration’s stance on financial assistance. Historically, Trump’s policies have favored reducing foreign aid, and this trend may continue under his leadership. Over the past five years, the United States has contributed $6.45 billion to combat global hunger, accounting for 38% of the UN’s funding for hunger.
The United States, Germany, and the European Commission collectively fund 58% of the UN’s humanitarian efforts. In stark contrast, China, Russia, and India together contribute just 1%.
The Case for Increased Contributions
China, the world’s second-largest economy, donated $11.5 million to the UN Humanitarian Fund in 2023, ranking 32nd among donor countries. India, the fifth-largest economy, contributed $6.5 million and ranked 35th.
John England, the former UN High Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs (2000–2006), criticized this disparity. “China can host the Olympics, and India can launch a moon mission for $75 million, but they can’t spare more money to feed the hungry?” he questioned.
Additional Challenges of hunger
Beyond funding shortages, delays and restrictions often impede the delivery of humanitarian aid. Bureaucratic hurdles and logistical issues mean that help frequently arrives too late to meet urgent needs.
A Call to Action
The growing disparity between the rising number of hungry people and the declining aid from wealthy nations demands immediate attention. Collaborative global efforts and increased contributions from all major economies are essential to address this humanitarian crisis. Without timely intervention, millions will continue to face the devastating consequences of hunger and malnutrition.