An additional 11.7 million women and girls could face food insecurity by the end of 2026 because of the Middle East escalation, UN Women said.

The analysis

Women and girls account for 53% of the projected 22 million extra people at risk across 28 countries. These are scenario-based estimates, not forecasts.

Why

Shipping disruption in the Strait of Hormuz is raising energy, fertiliser and transport costs.