According to the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2026, issued by Welthungerhilfe (WHH), Helvetas and the Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV), the world's hunger score has worsened to 18.1 from 17.6 in 2018, though still in the moderate category. The GHI uses four indicators: undernourishment, stunting and wasting among children, and mortality of children under five. Eight countries face alarming hunger, including Somalia, Burundi, Chad, Madagascar and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Both South Asia (23.5) and Sub-Saharan Africa (27.5) are in the serious category. Food insecurity is deepened by conflicts, climate shocks and declining aid, whereas Nepal, Uganda and Togo have recorded progress.