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, translating to hunger, displacement, and death for millions. Secretary General Mathias Mogge highlighted critical situations in Sudan, where over 11 million people are displaced due to ongoing conflict, and Gaza, describing the humanitarian crisis there as one of the worst in his 30-year career.

WHH is implementing a proactive humanitarian aid system to provide faster responses to crises, enabling quicker payments to prevent victims from losing assets. The organization, operating in 37 countries with over 300 partners, had a €384 million budget in 2024, with the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development as its largest contributor (€147 million). The report emphasizes the strong link between hunger and violent conflict, urging increased diplomatic efforts to end conflicts and secure food supplies. Concerns are raised regarding Germany's planned reduction in humanitarian emergency aid despite increased defense spending, potentially signifying a political departure from international commitments.

Impact Statement: Reduced international aid funding exacerbates global hunger, jeopardizing efforts to alleviate malnutrition and potentially leading to further displacement and loss of life.