Analysts: Media neglects hunger crises
Deutsche Welle
February 23, 2026
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Analysts highlight a concerning lack of media and political attention toward severe hunger crises in regions like Nigeria, where millions face acute food insecurity due to conflict, climate change, and economic instability. Amina Suleman, a displaced mother of seven, describes her family's struggle to survive on one meal a day, relying solely on begging for sustenance. Her story reflects the broader crisis gripping northeast Nigeria, where government efforts to combat jihadi militias have failed to bring lasting stability or relief.
The World Food Programme reports that 318 million people worldwide suffer from acute hunger, with a significant portion in Africa. Countries like Malawi are experiencing some of their toughest hunger crises due to prolonged droughts, erratic rainfall, and economic challenges. Meanwhile, conflicts such as the civil war in Tigray, northern Ethiopia, which has claimed over 600,000 lives and left countless women raped and displaced, remain largely ignored by global media.
Researcher Ladislaus Ludescher of Goethe University points to a disturbing trend: while hunger is described as the "biggest solvable problem in the world," it receives minimal coverage compared to softer news topics like sports or entertainment. For instance, major news programs in Germany dedicated more airtime to actor Will Smith's altercation at the Oscars than to the Tigray conflict. This underreporting not only raises awareness but also underscores the lack of political will to address these crises effectively.
The neglect of hunger crises matters because millions of lives depend on immediate action. Hunger kills more people annually than diseases like tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and malaria combined, with a child dying every 13 seconds due to hunger-related causes. Addressing this issue requires sufficient resources and prioritization from governments and the media. By amplifying these stories and pushing for accountability, there is hope to mitigate one of the world's most pressing challenges.
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Originally published on Deutsche Welle on 2/23/2026