The lingering effects of COVID-19 had already created ‘a hunger pandemic’, according to the World Food Programme. Before the pandemic, 135 million people were severely food insecure. Today, it has doubled to 276 million. More than half a million people are experiencing severe, prolonged hunger, resulting in widespread and acute malnutrition. According to the United Nations, this has been an increase of 500% since 2016.
The Russia-Ukraine war has worsened this crisis. Together, the two countries are responsible for supplying almost 30% of the world’s wheat, and a significant percentage of global fertiliser. With Russia’s exports hit with strict sanctions, and Ukraine’s planting season disrupted by the fighting, a huge supply of the world’s food is trapped, while skyrocketing fertiliser prices may see farmers face reduced crop yields.
As The Economist says, “War is tipping a fragile world towards mass hunger.”
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Compassion UK Christian Child Development, registered charity in England and Wales (1077216) and Scotland (SC045059). A company limited by guarantee, Registered in England and Wales company number 03719092. Registered address: Compassion House, Barley Way, Fleet, Hampshire, GU51 2UT.
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