Aden — The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP) have jointly identified Yemen, Sudan, South Sudan, and Haiti as countries facing an imminent risk of catastrophic hunger, warning that time is running out to prevent widespread famine.

In their latest Hunger Hotspots report released on November 12, the two UN agencies highlighted 16 global regions where acute food insecurity is expected to worsen between November 2025 and May 2026. Of these, four countries were classified as the highest concern, with populations projected to reach famine or near-famine conditions due to conflict, economic collapse, and restricted humanitarian access.

Yemen, already suffering from a decade-long war and economic fragmentation, continues to experience unprecedented levels of food insecurity. According to FAO estimates, over 17 million Yemenis face high acute food insecurity, with millions relying on humanitarian aid to survive.

The report warns that conflict and violence remain the primary drivers of hunger in 14 of the affected areas, including Yemen, where ongoing hostilities and restrictions on aid delivery have severely disrupted livelihoods and food supply chains.

FAO and WFP officials called for urgent international funding and coordinated action to avert famine. As of late October, only $10.5 billion of the $29 billion required for global humanitarian food assistance had been secured.

The agencies stressed that the situation is “completely preventable” if immediate steps are taken to scale up aid, protect civilians, and restore access to essential services.