KARACHI:
The World Food Day commemorated on the 16th of October every year aims to raise global awareness for those suffering from hunger and promote healthy dietary habits. In recent years, hunger and malnutrition have risen significantly in many parts of the world due to various reasons.
A report by the UN revealed that 40% of the world’s population cannot afford a healthy diet because of the high demand for nourishment and less supply of food. In many countries, high inflation has also made nutritious food inaccessible for people. In the 2021 global hunger index, Pakistan has ranked 92nd out of 116. Pakistan has a serious level of hunger with a score of 24.7. Given the risk of increased food insecurity, this is rather alarming.
Food supplies are often contaminated with bacteria, chemical supplies, viruses, etc. Those responsible for the manufacture and processing of food should improve the production process and ensure that the food is free of bacteria. The government should ensure that basic food items important for growth and nourishment are widely available to everyone. In addition, the government should collaborate with international bodies such as the World Food Program to implement food security-related schemes to alleviate hunger and malnutrition. The Covid pandemic has pushed many into abject poverty and climate change poses yet another risk to food security. It is thus extremely crucial that the government begin enforcing and implementing timely measures to tackle hunger and malnutrition at its earliest.
Yarsila Shaikh
Karach.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 16th, 2021.
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