U.N. report highlights decline in global hunger but warns of future challenges. Image: GMA Network.
(The Post News)– A new U.N. report reveals that the number of people suffering from hunger worldwide has declined for the third consecutive year, dropping to 673 million in 2024. This represents 8.2% of the global population, down from 8.5% in 2023. The report, compiled by five U.N. agencies, attributes the decline to improved access to food in regions like South America and India.
However, the report also highlights that conflict and climate shocks have worsened malnutrition in parts of Africa and western Asia. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized that conflict is a major driver of hunger, citing examples in Gaza and Sudan. He warned that hunger can further destabilize communities and undermine peace.
The report notes significant progress in South America and Southern Asia, where hunger rates have decreased. In South America, the hunger rate fell to 3.8% in 2024 from 4.2% in 2023, thanks to improved agricultural productivity and social programs. In Southern Asia, the decline was largely driven by new data from India showing increased access to healthy diets.
Despite the progress, the report cautions that the global hunger numbers remain higher than pre-pandemic levels, with 7.5% of the population experiencing hunger in 2019. Africa presents a concerning picture, with over 307 million people chronically undernourished, and the continent is expected to account for nearly 60% of the world’s hungry people by 2030.
The report also highlights the issue of food price inflation, which peaked in January 2023 and disproportionately affected low-income nations. Additionally, it notes a rise in adult obesity, reaching nearly 16% in 2022. On a positive note, the number of people unable to afford a healthy diet has decreased globally, from 2.76 billion in 2019 to 2.6 billion in 2024.
journalist-nkosinathi@thepostnews.net
About the Author
