Desperate hunger is currently a major issue in two global areas, leading to the potential for famine in northern Gaza and the increasing likelihood of it in Haiti. Hundreds of thousands of individuals in these locations are facing difficulties in avoiding famine and starvation.

Global food security experts and humanitarian organizations are sounding the alarm about the severe impact of starvation resulting from the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, as well as the crisis in Haiti exacerbated by armed gangs targeting governmental institutions.

In Gaza, almost all inhabitants are facing challenges in obtaining sufficient food. It is estimated that 1.1 million people, half of the population, will experience severe hunger in the near future. This information comes from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, an organization that tracks global hunger. The agency issued a report on Monday, stating that famine is a possibility in Gaza between mid-March and May if there is no resolution to the ongoing hostilities and urgent access to necessary resources and aid.

According to aid groups, in Haiti, approximately 1.4 million individuals are at risk of experiencing famine, and over 4 million are in need of assistance to obtain food.

What exactly does it entail for a geographical area to experience famine? And how is it possible for this to occur so quickly in these locations? Here is the information you should be aware of:

In 2004, during the famine in Somalia, the IPC was formed by a coalition of 15 international organizations and non-profit groups. The coalition utilizes a five-level system to track the availability of food and the severity of hunger.

Famine is the top tier, Phase 5, “the absolute inaccessibility of food to an entire population or sub-group of a population, potentially causing death in the short term.”

This situation arises when 20% of households experience severe food shortages, 30% of children suffer from severe malnutrition, and at least two adults or four children per every 10,000 individuals die every day as a result of starvation or the combination of malnutrition and illness.

The highest tier corresponds with the Phase 3 “crisis” and Phase 4 “emergency” levels of food demand. As reported by the IPC, approximately 158 million individuals worldwide are experiencing severe hunger or worse.

According to Tobias Stillman, director of technical services and innovation at Action Against Hunger, even though the severity of the food crises in these locations is recent, the underlying circumstances have been present for some time. This was communicated via email.

Prior to the conflict, 80% of those living in Gaza were dependent on humanitarian assistance and approximately half of all households did not have adequate food, according to the source. In Haiti, millions were already struggling with high levels of food insecurity and urgent food needs.

Stillman stated that when families and entire nations are on the brink, it becomes effortless for conflict or unforeseen events to lead them towards disaster.

According to Stillman, hunger refers to the sensation that arises when our bodies require or anticipate nourishment. Aid organizations state that hunger arises when individuals are unable to afford or obtain enough nutrition for an extended period of time.

Malnutrition is a health issue that arises when individuals do not consume sufficient calories to support growth and overall functioning, resulting in health complications. The most critical type of malnutrition is severe acute malnutrition, which is characterized by children being underweight for their height.

According to Stillman, this can occur abruptly due to a severe lack of food, or it can gradually develop over time.

Starvation is not a technical term, but it describes extreme suffering or death caused by lack of food.

According to Stillman, death by starvation can occur quite rapidly. When food is not available, the body starts by using up carbohydrates and fats, then moves on to breaking down protein, including essential muscles and organs. This process leads to a shutdown of bodily functions, such as digestion, making it difficult for the body to absorb any available nutrients. As a result, individuals experience extreme exhaustion and lethargy as the body attempts to conserve energy.

Without proper medical care, the body’s organs cease to function and the immune system is unable to battle infections. Often, individuals who lack access to food succumb to ordinary illnesses. Should this not occur, essential organs will shut down and the heart will cease to beat.

The most vulnerable groups to malnutrition are children under 5, pregnant and lactating women, older adults, and those with preexisting health issues. During urgent situations such as the one in Gaza, young children are the most likely to suffer from malnutrition, according to experts.

U.N. officials at the forefront would announce a famine using the IPC standards. This announcement does not hold any mandatory responsibilities for U.N. members or nations, but aims to bring worldwide awareness to the issue.

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The Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group provides support for the Associated Press Health and Science Department. The AP is solely responsible for all of its content.