The German humanitarian organization Welthungerhilfe (WHH) released its 2024 report, revealing that 733 million people globally suffer from chronic malnutrition—a 152 million increase since 2019. The report cites climate change, wars, inequality, and reduced funding as contributing factors. WHH President Marlehn Thieme warned that budget cuts by major donor countries like the US and Germany will lead to loss of life, stating that "Cuts lead to loss of lives. What looks like austerity measures on paper means hunger, displacement, or even death for millions of people." The situation is particularly dire in Sudan, where half the population (around 25 million) requires humanitarian aid due to ongoing conflict, and in Gaza, described by WHH Secretary General Mathias Mogge as one of the worst humanitarian crises he has witnessed in over 30 years. Syria also faces a catastrophic humanitarian situation with 15 million people lacking nutrition.

WHH, which had a €384 million budget in 2024 (with nearly €87 million from donations), is implementing a proactive humanitarian aid system to respond more quickly to crises. The organization highlights the strong link between hunger and conflict, urging increased diplomatic efforts to end wars. The German government's planned reduction in humanitarian aid despite increased defense spending has drawn criticism from WHH and other NGOs.

Impact Statement: Reduced international funding for humanitarian aid significantly jeopardizes efforts to alleviate global hunger and respond effectively to humanitarian crises.