Acute hunger persists despite sufficient global food production, with DR Congo among the hardest-hit countries, UN warns

More than 266 million people worldwide face acute food insecurity despite global production being sufficient to feed the population, the UN says. António Guterres called for the right to food to be ensured and commitments turned into action, as conflict, climate disruption and rising living costs worsen hunger. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is among the hardest-hit countries, with more than 26.5 million people struggling to meet basic food needs. More than four million children under five needed treatment for malnutrition between January and June 2026.