According to a new UN report, 7.8 percent of the world’s population experienced hunger, down from 8.1 percent in 2024.
This marks the third consecutive year in which the trend has moved in the right direction, The Guardian reports, citing the study.
The report also shows that the rise in hunger across Africa appears to have slowed.
Nevertheless, Africa is now the continent with the highest number of people experiencing hunger. Around 309 million people are affected, which is more than in Asia.
Healthy food is expensive
The UN points out that many countries keep staple foods such as grains affordable, while fruit, vegetables, dairy products, and meat are often too expensive.
As a result, many people consume enough calories but do not have access to a varied and healthy diet, according to the FAO, as cited by The Guardian.
At the same time, figures from the WHO show that the share of adults living with obesity has increased from 12.1 percent in 2012 to 16.2 percent in 2024.
The report states that better transport, increased research, and more efficient supply chains could help make healthy foods more affordable.
The major challenge
Although fewer people are going hungry, the biggest challenge remains the cost of healthy food.
According to the UN, around 2.69 billion people cannot afford a diet that provides both sufficient energy and essential nutrients.
That is equivalent to around one in three people worldwide, The Guardian reports.
The UN therefore believes that much more needs to be done if the global goal of ending hunger by 2030 is to be achieved.
According to the report, it is not enough for people simply to have access to food. They must also have the opportunity to eat a healthy and varied diet.
