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TheAcademy . 17/10/2024 4:15 PM
India's Hunger Crisis and the World's Ongoing Struggle
The Global Hunger Index (GHI) is an annual report that evaluates hunger and malnutrition levels across countries worldwide. Jointly developed by Concern Worldwide and Welthungerhilfe, the index serves as a vital tool to understand the severity of hunger in different regions and find strategies to address this issue. The GHI ranks countries on a scale of 0 to 100, where 0 represents no hunger and 100 indicates an extreme level of hunger. The 2024 GHI report reveals concerning trends, particularly for India, and calls for urgent global efforts to end hunger.
According to the 2024 GHI, India ranks 105th out of 127 countries, with a score of 27.3, indicating "serious" levels of hunger. Despite various initiatives aimed at reducing malnutrition, hunger remains a significant challenge in the country. Key findings of the report highlight India's struggles with undernourishment and child malnutrition, demonstrating the need for stronger policies and interventions.
The GHI score is derived from four primary indicators:
Undernourishment: Measures the percentage of the population that does not get adequate caloric intake. In India, approximately 16.7% of people are undernourished.
Child Stunting: Refers to the proportion of children under five who are too short for their age, reflecting chronic malnutrition. In India, 35.5% of children experience stunting.
Child Wasting: Examines the percentage of children under five who are too thin for their height, signaling acute short-term malnutrition. About 18.7% of Indian children are affected.
Child Mortality: Measures the death rate of children under five, often linked to poor nutrition and inadequate healthcare. India's child mortality rate stands at 4.9%, showcasing the impact of malnutrition on health outcomes.
The 2024 report highlights a troubling global landscape, with over 733 million people experiencing hunger daily, while an estimated 2.8 billion are unable to afford a nutritious diet. The situation is particularly grave in regions affected by conflict and instability, such as Gaza and Sudan, where food insecurity is exacerbated by war. The report underscores that progress is insufficient to meet the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal of Zero Hunger by 2030.
Some countries have made significant progress in reducing hunger, demonstrating effective policies and programs. The top 10 performers in the 2024 GHI include:
Belarus
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Chile
China
Costa Rica
Croatia
Estonia
Georgia
Hungary
Kuwait
These countries represent regions with relatively low hunger levels, achieved through a combination of economic growth, robust food security programs, and social policies.
The GHI report emphasizes the stark regional disparities in hunger and malnutrition. Sub-Saharan Africa, including countries like Madagascar and Chad, continues to face high hunger levels, driven by poverty, conflict, and climate-related issues. These regions often exhibit a combination of high child stunting, wasting, and undernourishment rates. In contrast, some countries in Eastern Europe, East Asia, and Latin America show better performance, with lower rates of hunger.
The 2024 GHI reinforces the connection between hunger and socioeconomic inequality. Populations in poorer and more unequal societies tend to experience higher levels of hunger and malnutrition. Inequities in access to healthcare, education, and food contribute to a vicious cycle where the most vulnerable continue to face the harshest consequences of food insecurity.
With the 2030 Zero Hunger target fast approaching, the GHI report calls for accelerated action to combat hunger and malnutrition worldwide. The ongoing challenges highlight the need for comprehensive solutions that address not only food availability but also access, affordability, and nutritional quality. Governments, international organizations, and civil society must collaborate to scale up efforts and implement effective policies to eliminate hunger.
Since its inception in 2006, the GHI has played a critical role in tracking global hunger trends, assessing which countries are making strides and which are lagging. The index provides valuable insights for policymakers to prioritize interventions and tailor programs to local needs. By highlighting areas where hunger persists, the GHI encourages a collective response to improve nutrition and well-being.
For India, the 2024 GHI report serves as a stark reminder of the country's ongoing struggle with hunger. The high levels of undernourishment and child malnutrition indicate the need for targeted policies, enhanced public health initiatives, and greater investment in nutritional programs. With its large population, India's progress is essential for achieving the global goal of Zero Hunger. Addressing structural issues like poverty, gender inequality, and healthcare access will be vital in tackling the root causes of hunger.
The 2024 Global Hunger Index sheds light on the world's ongoing battle against hunger, revealing areas of concern and progress. While some countries have made significant strides, others, including India, still face substantial challenges. The findings underscore the urgency for global action and collaboration to end hunger, improve nutrition, and ensure food security for all. As the world strives to meet the 2030 Zero Hunger goal, the GHI serves as a critical tool to guide efforts and measure progress in creating a world free from hunger.
