The International Monetary Fund said the disruption to the flow of grain and fertilizer caused by the war in Ukraine has led to the worst food security crisis since at least the 2007-2008 global financial crisis, when about 345 million people now face dangerous lack for life.

A new research report from the International Monetary Fund estimates that the 48 countries most vulnerable to food shortages will face a cumulative increase of $9 billion in their import bills in 2022 and 2023 due to a sudden spike in food and fertilizer prices caused by the war in Ukraine.

The fund said this would erode the reserves of many vulnerable conflict-affected countries, which are already facing balance of payments problems following a devastating pandemic and high energy costs.

The Foundation called for a rapid increase in humanitarian assistance through the World Food Program and other organizations, as well as targeted financial action in affected countries to help the poor. But he said governments should prioritize fighting inflation.

The fund also called for the lifting of the food export ban and other protectionist measures, citing World Bank research that has shown the ban is responsible for up to nine percent of the rise in global wheat prices.