(NAFB) – A new report from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization shows a dramatic worsening of world hunger in 2020.

While the pandemic’s impact has yet to be fully mapped, the multi-agency report estimates that around a tenth of the global population – up to 811 million people – were undernourished last year. The number suggests it will take a tremendous effort for the world to honor its pledge to end hunger by 2030. This year’s report is the first global assessment of its kind in the pandemic era.

The report warns of a “critical juncture,” even as it pins fresh hopes on increased diplomatic momentum. In 2020 hunger increased, outpacing population growth, as some 9.9 percent of all people are estimated to have been undernourished last year, up from 8.4 percent in 2019.

The report says transforming food systems is essential to achieve food security, improve nutrition and put healthy diets within reach of all.