India got 111th position in Global Hunger Index-2023

India's Global Hunger Index-2023: A Comprehensive Overview

In recent years, India's ranking in the Global Hunger Index (GHI) has been a cause for concern. In 2023, India found itself in the 111th position out of 125 countries, highlighting a persistent challenge in combating hunger. Let's delve into the details of this issue and understand the key factors that contribute to India's GHI ranking.

India got 111th position in Global Hunger Index-2023

India's Hunger Index Ranking

India's ranking in the Global Hunger Index-2023 is a matter of serious contemplation. In this edition, the country stands at 111th place among 125 nations. This ranking indicates that India's progress in addressing hunger has nearly stalled since 2015. In the 2022 edition of the GHI, India was already placed at 107th among 121 countries. This decline is a cause for concern as it reflects the struggle to ensure food security for all.

A Closer Look at the GHI

The Global Hunger Index is a metric developed by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) and Welthungerhilfe, a German-based organization. This index assesses hunger based on a scoring system that considers four key indicators: undernutrition, child stunting, child wasting, and child mortality. The scale ranges from 0 (no hunger) to 100 (severe hunger). India's GHI score stands at 28.7, firmly placing it in the "severe" category. This score is indicative of the persistent issue of hunger in the country.

Undernutrition and Child Mortality

The undernutrition rate in India is a concerning 16.6 percent. Undernutrition is a critical issue as it leads to severe health problems, especially among children. In addition, India's under-five mortality rate is 3.1 percent, underscoring the significant challenges in ensuring the survival and well-being of young children.

Anemia Among Women

Anemia among women aged 15 to 24 years is alarmingly high in India, with a prevalence rate of 58.1 percent. Anemia can have severe health implications, affecting the overall well-being of women and their ability to lead healthy lives.

Child Wasting: A Critical Concern

India faces a grave challenge when it comes to child wasting. The country has the highest child wasting rate in the world, standing at 18.7 percent. This statistic signifies acute undernutrition among children, which can lead to long-term health issues and hinder their growth and development.

Comparing Neighboring Countries

India's neighboring countries, such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, also have varying positions on the Global Hunger Index. Pakistan stands at 102nd, Bangladesh at 81st, Nepal at 69th, and Sri Lanka at 60th. These rankings offer insights into the regional dynamics of hunger and nutrition.

Global Hunger Index: Key Facts

In the Global Hunger Index-2023, the world's average score is 18.3, which is categorized as moderate. However, this score is only one point lower than the 2015 GHI score of 19.1. Globally, the share of undernourished people, one of the index's crucial indicators, increased from 7.5% in 2017 to 9.2% in 2022, affecting about 735 million individuals.

Regions with the Highest Hunger Levels

South Asia and Africa south of the Sahara are the regions in the world with the highest hunger levels, each possessing a GHI score of 27.0, indicating severe hunger. This highlights the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address hunger and malnutrition in these areas.

FAQs About India's Global Hunger Index-2023

What is the Global Hunger Index (GHI)?

The Global Hunger Index is a metric that measures hunger and undernutrition around the world. It uses a scoring system based on four key indicators: undernutrition, child stunting, child wasting, and child mortality.

Why is India's ranking in the GHI a cause for concern?

India's ranking in the Global Hunger Index has stagnated, indicating a persistent struggle to combat hunger. In 2023, India was placed 111th out of 125 countries, reflecting the challenge of ensuring food security for all.

What are the key indicators contributing to India's GHI score?

India's GHI score is based on undernutrition, child stunting, child wasting, and child mortality. These indicators help assess the severity of hunger and malnutrition in the country.

What are the undernutrition and child mortality rates in India?

The undernutrition rate in India is 16.6 percent, and the under-five mortality rate is 3.1 percent. These rates reflect the challenges in ensuring the health and well-being of children and the overall population.

Why is child wasting a critical concern in India?

India has the highest child wasting rate in the world at 18.7 percent. Child wasting is indicative of acute undernutrition, which can lead to severe health problems and hinder children's growth and development.

How does India's GHI ranking compare to neighboring countries?

India's neighboring countries have varying positions on the Global Hunger Index. Pakistan stands at 102nd, Bangladesh at 81st, Nepal at 69th, and Sri Lanka at 60th. These rankings provide insights into the regional dynamics of hunger and nutrition.

In Conclusion

India's position in the Global Hunger Index-2023 underscores the pressing need to address the challenge of hunger and malnutrition. While the country has made progress in various areas, there is much work to be done to ensure food security for all. By understanding the factors contributing to the GHI ranking, we can work towards effective solutions to combat hunger and improve the well-being of the population.