The 2024 Global Hunger Index (GHI) places India in the “serious” category, ranking 105th out of 127 countries. Published by Concern Worldwide and Welthungerhilfe, the GHI is an important tool for tracking hunger and undernutrition worldwide. India, with a score of 27.3, faces significant challenges in addressing hunger, compounded by widespread malnutrition and child mortality.
The Alarming Statistics
India’s GHI score is calculated using four key indicators:
- Undernourishment: 13.7% of the population lacks sufficient caloric intake.
- Child Stunting: 35.5% of children under five suffer from stunted growth, indicating chronic undernutrition.
- Child Wasting: 18.7% of children under five have low weight for their height, reflecting acute undernutrition.
- Child Mortality: 2.9% of children do not survive past their fifth birthday.
These statistics paint a grim picture of the nation’s nutritional challenges, with millions of people facing food insecurity daily.
Global Comparisons
India is among 42 countries listed in the “serious” hunger category, alongside neighboring countries such as Pakistan and Afghanistan. South Asian countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka have fared better, ranking in the “moderate” category. This underscores the need for India to intensify its efforts to combat hunger and malnutrition.
Challenges in Achieving Zero Hunger
The report highlights that achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goal of Zero Hunger by 2030 is becoming increasingly unlikely for many countries, including India. With 733 million people globally experiencing hunger daily and 2.8 billion unable to afford a healthy diet, the global food crisis is further exacerbated by conflicts, civil strife, and climate change. Wars in regions like Gaza and Sudan are contributing to extreme food shortages, while other areas, such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Syria, continue to grapple with severe food crises.
The Road Ahead
For India, addressing these challenges will require a multifaceted approach. Tackling the root causes of hunger, improving food security, and ensuring adequate nutrition for children are critical in reducing hunger levels and improving the country’s GHI ranking in the coming years.
