How Many People and Children Starve to Death Every Day

Hunger remains one of the biggest humanitarian crises today. Children are the most vulnerable. A child dies from hunger every 10 seconds, adding up to 3.1 million child deaths per year. Despite global efforts to reduce hunger, progress has stalled in recent years, especially in conflict zones like Sudan, where millions face extreme food insecurity.

This article explores the scale of global hunger, its devastating impact on children, and how the ongoing crisis in Sudan is worsening the situation.

 

How Many People Die of Hunger Every Day?

Every year, around 9 million people die from hunger and hunger-related diseases—more than the combined deaths from AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis. This means that approximately 24,657 people die from hunger every day.

Globally, 822 million people are undernourished, meaning they do not get enough food to sustain a healthy life. The highest rates of hunger are found in Africa, where 20 percent of the population lacks sufficient food. In some regions, like eastern and southern Africa, this number is over 30 percent.

How Many People Starev to Death Every Year?

While the number of hungry people decreased for decades, it has been rising again since 2015.

• 1990: 1.01 billion
• 2000: 900 million
• 2010: 821 million
• 2015: 784 million
• 2016: 804 million
• 2017: 821 million
• 2018: 822 million
  

 

How Many Children Die from Hunger?

Hunger is one of the leading causes of child mortality. Each year, 3.1 million children under the age of five die due to malnutrition. That’s nearly half of all child deaths worldwide.

The Impact of Malnutrition on Children

Hunger doesn’t just take lives—it also causes long-term developmental issues. In Sub-Saharan Africa, one in three children suffers from stunted growth due to chronic malnutrition. Stunting affects a child’s ability to learn, fight off diseases, and grow into a healthy adult.

Children who experience malnutrition often face:

• Cognitive impairments that limit learning and development
• A weakened immune system, makes them more vulnerable to illnesses
• Lower lifetime earnings due to developmental setbacks
  

 

>> Related Post: How does food insecurity affect children: Effects of child hunger

 

Acute Hunger: When Starvation Becomes an Emergency

Of the 822 million undernourished people worldwide, 113 million suffer from acute hunger, meaning they are in immediate need of food aid to survive.

What Causes Acute Hunger?

Acute hunger occurs when a person becomes so undernourished that their body begins breaking down muscle for energy. The most common causes include:

• Conflict and war (as seen in Sudan, Yemen, and Syria)
• Climate disasters (droughts, floods, and extreme weather)
• Economic instability (poverty, unemployment, and inflation)
  

 

>> Related Post: Top 10 Causes of Food insecurity: its Effects and Solutions

 

Hunger and the Sudan Crisis

Sudan is facing one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world. Since war broke out in April 2023, conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has displaced more than 11 million people, making it the largest displacement crisis in the world.

Food Insecurity in Sudan

The war has disrupted food supply chains, and displaced families, and made humanitarian aid nearly impossible to deliver. According to the Carnegie Endowment, 17.7 million people in Sudan are food insecure, with 5 million on the brink of famine.

The Impact on Sudanese Children

Children are suffering the most from Sudan’s food crisis. Without intervention, more children will face:

• Increased malnutrition and disease
• Higher mortality rates
• A lost future due to lack of education and healthcare

 

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SAPA’s Hunger Relief Program: Fighting Starvation in Sudan

Sudan is experiencing a devastating hunger crisis, with millions of children under five suffering from malnutrition each year. The ongoing conflict has crippled food supplies, leaving families struggling to survive. Millions of people are in daily need of food assistance, and many are on the brink of starvation and death, facing an urgent and life-threatening crisis.

Sudanese American Physicians Association’s Hunger Relief Program is dedicated to combating food insecurity in war-affected regions. Through food distribution, strategic partnerships, and sustainability initiatives, SAPA is working to provide nourishment and hope to those in need.

SAPA is actively delivering meals to displaced families and malnourished children across Sudan.

 

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Conclusion

Hunger is a silent but deadly crisis, taking more lives than many of the world’s deadliest diseases. Every day, nearly 24,657 people die from hunger, including thousands of children. Conflict zones like Sudan are particularly vulnerable, where millions are on the edge of starvation.

Addressing hunger requires coordinated global efforts, humanitarian aid, and sustainable food security solutions. Organizations like SAPA are making a difference by providing critical support to those in need. If we are to reach Zero Hunger, action must be taken now.

 

FAQs

1. How many people die from hunger every year?

Around 9 million people die from hunger-related causes annually.

2. How often does a child die from hunger?

A child dies from hunger every 10 seconds, totaling 3.1 million deaths per year.

3. What percentage of the world is undernourished?

About 10.8 percent of the global population suffers from undernourishment.

4. Why is hunger increasing again?

Hunger has been rising since 2015 due to conflict, climate change, and economic instability.

5. Which continent has the highest hunger rate?

Africa has the highest rate of hunger, with over 20 percent of its population suffering from food insecurity.

6. How many people face acute hunger?

Currently, 113 million people experience acute hunger and need urgent food assistance.

How can I help fight hunger?

You can support SAPA by donating, spreading awareness, and advocating for food security policies.