World Food Day is a global observance held on the 16th of October each year, representing a collective effort to combat the pressing issue of worldwide hunger. The theme for the 2019 edition was “Our Actions are our Future; Healthy Diets for a #ZeroHunger World”. The focus of this theme extends beyond just alleviating hunger; it also encompasses nurturing the planet and nourishing its inhabitants, thus aligning with the Second Sustainable Goal (SDG 2), which advocates for Zero Hunger.
Achieving #ZeroHunger
The World Food Day initiative strives to eliminate hunger and address the various forms of malnutrition experienced around the world, including obesity. It serves as a platform for encouraging diverse sectors to work cohesively in making nutritious and sustainable diets both affordable and accessible to everyone. In line with this, the initiative also aims to enhance public awareness about the importance of healthy dietary practices.
Nexus Between Malnutrition and Health
According to the Global Burden of Disease Study conducted by the University of Washington in 2017, malnutrition ranks high among the leading causes of death and disability in India. This includes both undernourishment and obesity, indicating the dire need for balanced nutrition in the general population.
Hunger Scenario in India
As per estimates from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), nearly 14.5% of India’s total population are undernourished. Notably, the Global Hunger Index 2018 positioned India at 103 out of 119 countries based on three critical indicators—prevalence of wasting and stunting in children under five years of age, child mortality rate under five years of age, and the proportion of undernourished people in the population.
| Indicator | Status in India |
|---|---|
| Prevalence of wasting and stunting in children under five years of age | High |
| Child mortality rate under five years of age | Significant |
| Proportion of undernourished people in the population | 14.5% |
Action Points for World Food Day 2019
The World Food Day 2019 urged sectors across the globe to contribute towards making healthy and sustainable diets a reality for all. This requires a concerted effort in increasing accessibility to such diets, alongside raising awareness about nutritious food habits among the population. By achieving this, the World Food Day initiative makes a crucial step forward in addressing both hunger and malnutrition effectively.