In a concerning revelation, India’s Global Hunger Index (GHI) ranking has remained stagnant at 111 out of 125 countries in the GHI 2023 report, underscoring the country’s ongoing struggle to combat hunger. The report also highlights a disheartening global trend, where progress against hunger has slowed in recent years.
The Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2023 report, released today, has painted a sobering picture of India’s fight against hunger. India’s current ranking of 111 signifies that the nation faces substantial challenges in ensuring food security and adequate nutrition for its citizens. The GHI is a comprehensive tool that measures and tracks hunger on a global scale, considering various factors such as undernourishment, child wasting, child stunting, and child mortality. The index is a crucial indicator of a country’s ability to address the critical issue of hunger.
One of the most concerning aspects of India’s GHI ranking is that progress against hunger has nearly reached a standstill since 2015. This alarming trend raises questions about the effectiveness of efforts to combat hunger within the country.
Hunger Remains Serious or Alarming in 43 Countries
According to the 2023 GHI scores and provisional designations, 9 countries have alarming levels of hunger: Burundi, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lesotho, Madagascar, Niger, Somalia, South Sudan, and Yemen. In a further 34 countries, hunger is serious. Many countries have seen hunger worsen in recent years.
Globally, the report underscores a worrying pattern of slowed progress against hunger. As per the findings, many countries are experiencing similar challenges in their fight against hunger, underscoring the urgency for a coordinated, global response. The GHI report calls for immediate and concerted action to address this critical issue. This includes efforts to enhance food security, improve healthcare and nutrition, and ensure equitable access to resources for vulnerable populations.
Solutions Must Look Beyond 2030
Current food policies aren’t stopping hunger from being passed down through generations in many places. We need solutions that look ahead past 2030 and consider young people’s lives and choices. The right to food should be a big part of food policies and how things are run. People should be able to get the food they need in ways that fit their local ways and environment.
Experts and advocates say we need new policies and teamwork, both in India and worldwide, to fight hunger. The GHI 2023 report is a sad reminder that, despite progress, many people, especially in India, still face hunger. We must act fast to change this. Urgent and sustained action is needed to reverse these trends and ensure a hunger-free future for all.
