World Food Day 2024: Somalia and Yemen Hit Hard by Hunger—What Is Malnutrition?

While many of us are fortunate to have a meal on our table, countless people around the world continue to suffer from hunger and malnutrition. According to the Global Hunger Index 2024, Somalia, Yemen, Chad, Madagascar, and the Democratic Republic of Congo are the five countries most affected by these crises.

This year World Food Day falls on October 16, 2024, under the theme “Right to Foods for a Better Life and a Better Future”. As we gear up for World Food Day, let's delve deeply into the subject and try to understand how hunger impacts globally and explore ways to address and tackle this ongoing crisis.

What is malnutrition?

In layman's terms, malnutrition in simple words means to get either too little or too much of certain nutrients.

Healthline classifies malnutrition into two types, such as  “Undernutrition: this type of malnutrition results from not getting enough protein, calories or micronutrients. It leads to low weight-for-height (wasting), height-for-age (stunting) and weight-for-age (underweight).

“Overnutrition: Overconsumption of certain nutrients, such as protein, calories or fat, can also lead to malnutrition. This usually results in overweight or obesity.”

Both undernutrition and overnutrition can lead to serious health issues if not treated well.

Causes of malnutrition

According to the Geneva Environment Network (GEN), over 2.8 billion people in the world are unable to afford a healthy diet. The organisation states, “Unhealthy diets are the leading cause of all forms of malnutrition – undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies and obesity, which now exist in most countries, cutting across socio-economic classes.”

Treating malnutrition

To prevent malnutrition, it is essential to provide iron, zinc, iodine pills, and food supplements while educating the population about nutrition.

Healthline suggests, "In addition, interventions that encourage healthy food choices and physical activity for children and adults at risk of overnutrition may help prevent overweight and obesity.

“You can also help prevent malnutrition by eating a diet with a variety of foods that include enough carbs, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals and water.”