A stark new report from multiple UN agencies has unveiled a troubling reality: one in three people worldwide is unable to afford a nutritious diet. This statistic underscores a significant public health crisis, as 2.69 billion individuals struggle to secure a diet that meets their essential energy and nutrient requirements. As the world grapples with ongoing challenges to food security, experts are urging immediate action to address the rising costs of healthy foods.
Decline in Global Hunger, Yet Affordability Remains a Major Concern
Despite a third consecutive year of decline in global hunger—now affecting 7.8% of the global population, down from 8.1% in 2024—affordability issues persist. The findings come from the annual report titled “The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2026,” produced by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, the UN World Food Programme, and the International Fund for Agricultural Development.
Maximo Torero, chief economist at the FAO and one of the report’s authors, highlighted the alarming fact that the cost of a healthy diet is pegged at $4.28 purchasing power parity (PPP) dollars per day. In contrast, the extreme poverty threshold is set at $3 PPP. This disparity indicates that a significant portion of the global population is struggling not only with hunger but also with the financial means to obtain nutritious food.
Africa: A Region Facing Unique Challenges
Africa, in particular, is facing a significant crisis, with 66.6% of its population unable to afford a healthy diet—more than double the rates seen in Asia and Latin America and the Caribbean. This marks a troubling milestone, as Africa now has the highest number of hungry individuals in the world, surpassing Asia for the first time with approximately 309 million people affected.
Torero attributes this rise to rapid population growth on the continent, although he notes that the proportion of those going hungry is beginning to decline, a positive development for the region. However, the potential impacts of reduced overseas development assistance and geopolitical conflicts—such as shipping restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz—cast a shadow over future progress.
Urgent Calls for Investment and Policy Reform
The report not only highlights the dire financial situation but also calls for a shift in governmental policy. Traditionally, subsidies have focused on cereals and starchy staples rather than promoting a diverse diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and protein sources. This imbalance contributes to rising obesity rates, which have surged from 12.1% of adults in 2012 to 16.2% in 2024, according to WHO data.
Torero described the urgency of the situation, stating, “Obesity is growing at a very steep level, so we need to now work intensively on trying to minimise those risks and those hidden costs that that substantial increase in obesity will bring.” He advocates for increased investment in infrastructure, research, and innovative policies that could enhance supply chain efficiency and promote healthy eating.
The Broader Implications of Food Insecurity
As the world continues to navigate these complex issues, the interconnectedness of food security, public health, and economic viability becomes increasingly evident. The report’s findings serve as a clarion call for policymakers and stakeholders at all levels to prioritise food affordability and accessibility, particularly as the global deadline for eradicating hunger approaches in 2030.
Why it Matters
The inability of billions to access healthy food is not merely a statistic; it represents a profound public health challenge that can have long-lasting effects on communities and economies worldwide. As obesity and malnutrition continue to rise hand in hand, the imperative for comprehensive policy reform and investment in food systems has never been clearer. Addressing these issues is essential not just for meeting immediate nutritional needs but for ensuring a healthier, more sustainable future for all.
