reveal that deep humanitarian aid cuts threaten millions with hunger and loss of lifesaving support, putting six critical operations at highest risk.
Humanitarian Aid
In eastern Afghanistan’s Andalachakin village, Khair Rahman recounts the devastating late-August earthquake that destroyed his home and injured several family members. With winter approaching, he fears for their survival in harsh conditions. The 6.0 magnitude quake claimed over 2,000 lives and left thousands injured and homeless across four provinces. Many survivors are now living in makeshift shelters or sleeping under the stars. As they confront severe hunger, families like Rahman’s are faced with a dire lack of humanitarian assistance just as winter sets in, adding to their desperate situation. Learn more about WFP's work in .
Ugbaad Ducaale, a camel herder and mother of three in Somaliland's Awdal region, travels 20 kilometers to fetch water as local wells have dried up. She leaves one child at home and takes the others on the long journey, causing them to miss school. This is the harsh reality for millions in Somalia, where drought has intensified after yet another failed rainy season. Families already burdened by conflict and displacement now face worsening hunger. Meanwhile, the humanitarian community struggles to meet the rising needs due to global funding cuts. Here are five things to know about the crisis.
Six months after a devastating earthquake hit central Myanmar, particularly Mandalay, the area shows signs of destruction with collapsed structures and a need for recovery. The country, already facing civil war and political unrest, struggled further with the added impact of the disaster on poverty and livelihoods. In response, community groups and international partners rallied together. With support from the United Nations Development Programme () and contributions from nations like Korea and Japan, a comprehensive plan was implemented quickly to clear debris, provide temporary shelters, and ensure access to clean water, marking a significant step in the early recovery process.
When a powerful 7.6-magnitude earthquake hit Japan’s Noto Peninsula on New Year’s Day 2024, more than 590 people lost their lives and tens of thousands of homes were destroyed. Eighteen months later, people in this rural part of central Japan are still recovering, and many still live in temporary shelters. But they are helping each other to rebuild their lives. French photographer Vincent Tremeau spent a decade documenting the dreams and hopes of children affected by crises, often travelling with staff members. In February 2025 he visited schools on the Noto Peninsula and met some of the children. Here are their stories.
Rawan, displaced by war, narrates her story of healing through , which has aided over half a million children.
Military spending reached a record $2.7 trillion last year, undermining diplomacy and draining resources from critical areas like hunger and poverty, warns a .
After losing her family to war, Sondos finds hope and strength through training, continuing her education despite crisis.
Charity plays a vital role in alleviating the worst effects of humanitarian crises and supplementing public services such as health care, education, housing, and child protection. The International Day of Charity was established to promote volunteerism and philanthropic efforts. It is observed annually on 5 September, commemorating the anniversary of the passing of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 "for work undertaken in the struggle to overcome poverty and distress, which also constitutes a threat to peace".
Decades of armed conflict in North Kivu, DRC, have devastated infrastructure and lives. Since January 2025, over 1 million displaced people have been pushed to leave camps and return to villages, but many struggle to access basic services, especially healthcare. In Kabase village, the only health facility is in ruins, with stolen essential equipment, including a vaccine refrigerator. Nurse Lukoo Joseph highlights the dire situation, stating the community cannot afford healthcare. Despite severe funding cuts, the UN aims to assist 11 million people this year but requires more support to meet rising needs. You can help make a difference. Support the .
Hedaia cradles her 18-month-old son, Mohamed, who suffers from muscular atrophy and is now skeletal due to severe food shortages in Gaza. By the end of September, it is projected that 641,000 people will face catastrophic hunger. Famine has been confirmed in Gaza at the highest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification () level, which is the global standard for measuring food insecurity. An additional 1.14 million will face Emergency conditions, while 396,000 will be in Crisis. The situation is worsened by ongoing conflict and restricted aid access. Experts call for urgent aid and a ceasefire to save lives, marking the first confirmed famine in the Gaza Strip.
Imagine a hunger that never ends, one that threatens your very life. In Gaza, daily violence and collapsing hospitals put , United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) delivers essential medical care, emergency obstetric services, and psychosocial support.
helps ensure that even amidst war and devastation, mothers receive the care they desperately need and their babies have a chance to survive and thrive.
Humanitarian needs across Southern and Eastern Africa have reached alarming levels this year– nearly 85 million people now need urgent assistance. But at the same time, brutal funding cuts are severely undermining humanitarian efforts, forcing aid agencies to scale back or suspend life-saving assistance. As a result, millions of people lack access to essential services and protection. By July, only 21 per cent of the US$10.5 billion required had been received. Your donation through the Regional Humanitarian Fund can help save lives and bring hope to the most vulnerable communities in Southern and Eastern Africa. .
2024 was the deadliest year ever for humanitarian workers. 2025 could be even worse. We repeat this grim line year after year – and fear it no longer shocks. Last year on World Humanitarian Day, we demanded protection for humanitarians in conflict zones. Resolutions were passed, promises were made. But nothing changed on the ground. The rules and the tools exist. sets a path. A major political declaration is on the way. What we need now is the will – and the courage – from all with power or influence to #ActForHumanity.
World Food Programme () staff reflect on life in two of the toughest places on earth. At dawn in northern Haiti, far from the violence of Port-au-Prince, aid workers travel safely to support farmers and schools. While insecurity hampers food distribution in the capital, resilience thrives. Over half of Haitians face hunger yet hope persists amid hardship. In January, M23 rebels seized Goma, DRC, killing nearly 1,000 people and triggering mass evacuations. UN staff fled as chaos erupted. WFP warehouses were looted, food stocks lost. Amid displacement and violence, aid efforts stalled, leaving vulnerable groups at greater risk. The hardest part is knowing how quickly everything can collapse – and how long it takes to rebuild.