Recently, Concern Worldwide and Welthungerhilfe jointly published the 19th Global Hunger Index (GHI) Report for 2024.
India ranked 105th out of 127 countries, indicating serious hunger issues. This ranking places India behind its neighbouring countries—Sri Lanka, Nepal, Myanmar, and Bangladesh—but just ahead of Afghanistan and Pakistan. The report also highlights a slight increase in the prevalence of undernourishment in India in recent years.
However, the encouraging news is that India has made progress compared to the reports from 2016, 2008, and 2000. Despite this, significant challenges remain, particularly in child malnutrition. India records the highest child wasting rate globally, at 18.7%, alongside a child stunting rate of 35.5%, an under-five mortality rate of 2.9%, and a prevalence of undernourishment at 13.7%.
Looking ahead, India can improve its GHI ranking by addressing critical issues such as climate change, adopting sustainable agricultural practices, and combating poverty.
