War on the agenda as millions go hungry

t is alarming to note that over 20 million people in Yemen, Sudan, Nigeria and Somalia will starve to death. According to the World Food Programme (WFP), around 795 million people in the world do not have enough food to lead a healthy life. It is estimated that 38 per cent of the food prepared daily is wasted, estimated to be $4 billion (Dh14.71 billion) annually. There are millions of people who are homeless and who have no access to even a meal a day or fresh drinking water. Our world belongs to the less fortunate as well, and we should be able to provide them with all the basic necessities. United Nations Secretary General António Guterres should play a greater role in intervening for poorer countries.

Political parties in these countries are arbitrarily denying substantial humanitarian access to their citizens. Civil war and political unrest further add to the crisis. In the year 2011, Somalia witnessed a famine and this time it is predicted to be more severe. In Nigeria the uprising of extremist groups like Boko Haram displaced thousands of people and has led to further poverty and hunger.

Countries that produce excess food grain should donate a part of it to the WFP so that they can then distribute it to these countries in an effective way. Unequal distribution of wealth, poverty and social disorder are some of the main issues that should be addressed immediately, so that no more countries face famine. Climate change and global warming is another factor that leads to severe drought and famine, which has crippled many countries. Urgent intervention from world leaders, the European Union and the United Nations is required to ease the situation. Let us all join hands to save our fellow humans who are suffering. This should be the call of the hour.