About 1/3 of humanity faces hunger

About 30% of the global population is moderately or severely food insecure, which is 2.4 billion people worldwide.

Illustration: HEIFER INTERNATIONAL

Hunger is the result of chronic food insecurity and can have serious consequences for physical and mental health, especially for vulnerable populations such as children, pregnant women and the elderly. According to the report, 828 million people suffered from hunger in 2021. That is an increase of nearly 46 million people since 2020 and 150 million people since the Covid-19 pandemic.

An estimated 32% of women worldwide face moderate to severe food insecurity, compared to 28% of men. The gender gap in food security and nutrition has only widened since 2020.

Due to malnutrition, about 45 million children under the age of 5 are wasted, increasing the risk of death by up to 12 times. In addition, 149 million children under the age of 5 suffer from stunted growth and development due to chronic undernutrition.

These statistics underscore the need for comprehensive efforts to address global nutrition and food security challenges.

The effects of hunger around the world are profound and varied. Hunger is a global threat that can lead to serious health problems. Children – especially those in their first 1,000 days of life – are at risk of malnutrition, stunted growth, delayed development and even infant and child death. Pregnant women can experience complications including miscarriage, premature birth and maternal death. Hunger can weaken the immune system, leading to increased susceptibility to disease, which can be fatal for the elderly or those with chronic conditions.

Hunger and food insecurity can also affect mental health and well-being. Food insecurity leads to increased stress, high blood pressure, depression, anxiety and conflict. Poor quality nutrition can hinder a child’s ability to learn and their future potential, perpetuating the cycle.

Meanwhile, according to the Food Waste Index report of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), nearly one-fifth of the food produced globally in 2022 was wasted (equivalent to 1.05 billion tons), even though about one-third of humanity is facing hunger.

The report was released in late March, as UNEP is tracking countries' progress in their efforts to reduce food waste by 50% by 2030, as set out in the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.

Data from the latest report shows that of the 1.05 billion tonnes of food waste in 2022, about 60% will come from households, while the proportions in the food service and retail sectors will be about 28% and 12% respectively.

On average, each person wastes 79kg of food per year - equivalent to 1.3 meals per day for people around the world affected by hunger.

Food waste also has a climate impact, according to the report. Recent data shows that food loss and waste accounts for 8-10% of annual global greenhouse gas emissions, nearly five times the level of the aviation industry.

Faced with this situation, the United Nations Environment Program is working with countries to achieve the goal of reducing food waste by 50% by 2030 as set out in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Compiled by NGUYEN TAN

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