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The Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2024, published recently by Concern Worldwide and Welt Hunger Hilfe, provides a sobering overview of the global fight against hunger. Bangladesh has faced a setback this year despite having made significant progress in reducing hunger over the past two decades.
Bangladesh dropped three positions to rank 84th out of 127 countries. With a GHI score of 19.4, the country now falls under the 'moderate' hunger category. This underscores the urgent and pressing need for continued efforts towards food security, which is of utmost importance for the nation's well-being.
The GHI assesses hunger and malnutrition worldwide using four key indicators: undernutrition, child wasting (underweight due to height), child stunting (low height for age), and child mortality. These criteria give a comprehensive view of hunger levels in each country, offering insights into not just the availability of food but also its nutritional quality and the broader societal implications of malnutrition.
It is crucial to understand that malnutrition affects individual health and has farreaching societal implications. A score of zero on the GHI signifies no hunger, while a score of 100 represents the worst possible hunger scenario. Bangladesh's current score of 19.4 places it in the moderate hunger category, highlighting the significant societal impact of this issue.
Bangladesh's GHI score 33.8 in 2000 was much higher, indicating severe hunger. Since then, the country has made impressive strides, gradually reducing its score. Last year, Bangladesh achieved a GHI score of 19, ranking 81st out of 125 countries. This year's slight increase to 19.4, alongside a drop in ranking to 84th, points to persistent challenges in eradicating hunger and malnutrition.
Among Bangladesh's South Asian neighbours, Nepal and Sri Lanka have outperformed Bangladesh in the 2024 index. Nepal ranks 68th with a score of 14.7, and Sri Lanka is 56th with a score of 11.3, both falling in the "low" hunger category.
On the other hand, Bangladesh remains ahead of India and Pakistan in the rankings. India, scoring 27.3, ranks 105th, marked by "serious" hunger. While India has moved up six places, its struggles with malnutrition continue. Pakistan ranks 109th with a score of 27.9, falling seven places this year. Afghanistan, facing even more alarming levels of hunger, ranks 116th with a score of 30.8.
The GHI report sheds light on several factors contributing to Bangladesh's hunger, particularly malnutrition among children. The data reveal that 11.9 per cent of the population is underweight, meaning a significant portion lacks the necessary caloric intake for healthy living.
The report also highlights the prevalence of child stunting, which affects 23.6 per cent of children under the age of five. This condition caused by chronic malnutrition results in inadequate growth and development. The rate of child wasting, where children are underweight for their height due to acute malnutrition, stands at 11 per cent.
One of the most concerning figures from the report is the under-five mortality rate, which stands at 2.9 per cent. This means nearly three out of every 100 children in Bangladesh do not survive past their fifth birthday, primarily due to malnutrition-related illnesses and a lack of access to essential healthcare services.
Although the country has made progress in reducing child mortality, these numbers indicate that much more work is needed to improve overall child health and nutrition outcomes.
While Bangladesh has made notable progress in addressing hunger and malnutrition, this year's GHI score raises concerns about underlying issues hindering further improvement. The report highlights the quality of available food as a significant factor in the country's hunger challenges.
Despite increased agricultural production, much of the food consumed lacks essential nutrients, contributing to the persistence of malnutrition, particularly among children. The lack of diversity in diets and insufficient access to protein, vitamins, and minerals contribute to the country's stunting and wasting problems.
Economic factors also exacerbate food insecurity in Bangladesh. The rising cost of food driven by global inflation, disruptions in supply chains, and the worsening effects of climate change, have made it harder for many families to afford nutritious meals. Poor households, in particular, struggle with food insecurity daily.
Moreover, Bangladesh frequently experiences natural disasters, such as floods and cyclones, which devastate food production and disrupt access to vital resources. The GHI report underscores how climate-related risks are intensifying food insecurity throughout South Asia, with adverse impacts likely to grow in the coming years.
Despite these challenges, there is still hope for Bangladesh's continued progress. The country has a strong record of resilience and has implemented effective policies to address hunger and malnutrition.
In collaboration with international organisations and local NGOs, the government has been improving food security through programmes focused on enhancing agricultural productivity, promoting maternal and child health, and providing social safety nets for vulnerable populations.
These initiatives will play a crucial role in reversing this year's setbacks and ensuring that Bangladesh remains on track to meet the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal of achieving zero hunger by 2030.
The GHI report emphasises the importance of addressing the root causes of hunger in Bangladesh. Improving access to nutritious food, enhancing healthcare services, and strengthening education on nutrition are critical priorities for the future.
Additionally, Bangladesh must bolster its agricultural systems to withstand the impacts of climate change. Investments in social protection programmes will also be essential in providing support to vulnerable populations, especially those living in rural areas where food insecurity is most prevalent.
The Global Hunger Index 2024 reminds us that while Bangladesh has significantly reduced hunger over the past two decades, the fight against hunger is far from over. The country's increase in its GHI score and its decline in the global rankings underscore the complexity of the remaining challenges, particularly in light of economic difficulties and climate-related disruptions.
However, with sustained commitment from the government, civil society, and the international community, Bangladesh can overcome these hurdles and continue its journey toward a future free from hunger and malnutrition.
Dr Matiur Rahman is a researcher and development worker.