Islamabad: Pakistan’s Global Hunger Index (GHI) score witnessed a significant decline, dropping from 38.1 in 2006 to 26.1 in 2022. This decline sheds light on the severity of the crisis that engulfed the nation and its impact on the populace.
Among the 121 countries surveyed, Pakistan ranked 99th in the GHI. According to the GHI report, a combination of armed conflicts, climate change, and the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a distressing situation, leaving approximately 828 million people grappling with hunger worldwide.
The report highlighted a concerning prediction that 46 countries may not achieve even a low level of hunger reduction by 2030, let alone completely eradicate hunger.
In specific regions, Africa south of the Sahara and South Asia faced the highest hunger rates. South Asia, in particular, had the world’s highest hunger level, with alarming rates of child stunting and child wasting.
The Global Hunger Index (GHI) is an annual assessment released jointly by Welthungerhilfe and Concern Worldwide to raise awareness about the global fight against hunger. Welthungerhilfe’s country director, Aisha Jamshed, stressed the organisation’s efforts to aid food-insecure populations and promote resilience via cooperation with civil society, government, and the commercial sector.
Shafat Ali, director of the Local Government and Community Development Department (LGCDD) in Punjab, highlighted the issue to encourage citizen participation, action, and oversight in transforming food systems. Stakeholders at all governance levels were urged to involve local voices and capacities in decision-making. Communities, civil society, small producers, farmers, and indigenous groups were recognised for their valuable local knowledge and experiences in shaping governance related to access to nutritious food.
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