Famine isn't inevitable. World Food Programme expert Arif Husain emphasizes the crucial role of early intervention to avert hunger crises. Traditional triggers like drought are being overshadowed by conflict-driven famines, demanding a shift in focus.

The World Food Programme (WFP) highlights the alarming situation with 72 countries facing critical hunger levels. Immediate action is needed to prevent famines, which require specific criteria:

-20% of the population experiencing extreme hunger
-30% of children suffering from wasting (severe thinness)
-Mortality rate doubling from the baseline

Early warning systems like the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) are crucial. The IPC categorize food insecurity levels, allowing intervention at "Crisis" (IPC 3) before the situation deteriorates.