The World Food Programme (WFP) warned on March 18, 2026, that the US-Israel-Iran conflict could propel acute hunger to unprecedented levels, potentially affecting 363 million people by June.
Escalating Projections
Current 318-349 million acute cases may rise by 45 million if hostilities continue, matching 2022 Ukraine war impacts. Oil price surges from Hormuz blockade inflate shipping, fuel, and food costs globally.
Aid Challenges
WFP scales assistance amid 40% funding drop; Lebanon needs $77M urgently. Fertilizer shortages threaten harvests in Africa/Asia, risking famine in Somalia/Sudan.
Call to Action
WFP urges ceasefire, aid access, and donor support to avert crisis surpassing COVID-era peaks.
