The 2024 Global Hunger Index (GHI), which is now in its 19th edition, underscores persistent and severe hunger issues plaguing some of the world's poorest countries. Jointly published by Irish humanitarian organization Concern Worldwide and German aid agency Welthungerlife, the report serves as a stark reminder that hunger levels will remain critically high for decades unless substantial progress is made in addressing the root cause of hunger.
India continues to grapple with severe child malnutrition, with the highest child-wasting rate of 18.7% and child stunting rate of 35.5%. These alarming figures point to persistent public health challenges, despite improvements in child mortality, an under-five mortality rate of 2.9% and prevalence of undernourishment at 13.7% further highlighting the widespread issue of food insecurity.
Despite efforts, the pace of hunger reduction is stagnant since 2016 globally, and many countries still face 'serious' or 'alarming' hunger levels.Global Hunger Index
India is one among 42 countries with GHI score of 27.3 and is ranked 105th out of 127 countries and experience "serious" hunger levels, alongside Pakistan and Afghanistan. In contrast few of other South Asian countries like Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka have achieved better GHI scores listing under the "moderate" category. While India's 2024 GHI score, marks improvement from its 2016 score of 29.3, indicating slow progress. The country's score were still high in 2000 (38.5) and 2008 (35.2), when the hunger situation was considered "alarming".
The report casts doubt achieving the UN's Zero Hunger targets by 2030
It highlights a stark gap between the international standards that promote the right to adequate food and the harsh reality faced by millions globally, where this right is disregarded in poorer nations.
Additionally, the GHI highlights the intersections of hunger, climate change and gender inequality, these social and climatic issues often place people at heightened risk of food and nutrition insecurity. This issues hinders the ability to adapt and cope with environmental and nutritional challenges.
The reports serves as call to action for governments, humanitarian organizations and international stakeholders to adopt aggressive and sustainable strategies to bridge the gap between policy aspirations and on-the-ground realities.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Josna Lewis/MSM)