In 2024, more than 1.4 million infants were born into hunger in Pakistan, which ranks second globally for undernourished births. The overall number of children born into hunger worldwide reached approximately 18.2 million, amid dire conditions influenced by conflict and climate change. NGOs call for urgent humanitarian intervention to tackle these escalating crises.
In 2024, Pakistan has seen a staggering 1.4 million infants brought into the world amid persistent hunger crises exacerbated by climate change. This statistic emerged from an analysis conducted by Save the Children, an international NGO, which reported that the country ranks second for newborns born into hunger among nations where over 20% of the population suffers from under-nourishment. Worldwide, the crisis has escalated, with an estimated 18.2 million children born into hunger, a distressing figure reflecting the impact of conflict, displacement, and climate issues on global nutrition levels.
The rising numbers highlight a troubling trend, with 800,000 additional children facing hunger in 2024 compared to previous years, driven by climate shocks and conflicts. The analysis points to a general decline in childhood nutrition, with poverty and food prices contributing significantly to this pressing issue. In countries on the brink of famine, such as South Sudan and Haiti, infants are born into desperate situations where acute food insecurity is prevalent.
Furthermore, Save the Children is sounding alarms about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where famine may soon become a reality, potentially affecting 345,000 individuals. Hannah Stephenson, the organization’s Global Head of Hunger and Nutrition, emphasized the urgent need for effective humanitarian aid and policies to alleviate such dire circumstances. The continuous struggle against childhood malnutrition and hunger demands immediate attention, particularly in regions where children are disproportionately affected.
Save the Children calls upon global leaders to confront the root causes of food insecurity, advocating for conflict resolution, climate action, and the development of robust health and nutrition protection systems.
The continued increase in hunger and malnutrition among newborns is largely attributable to the intertwined crises of conflict and climate change. As the effects of extreme weather events manifest, vulnerable populations, especially children, face exacerbated levels of deprivation. The report from Save the Children indicates a significant rise in the number of undernourished births globally, with countries like Pakistan highlighted for their critical situations. The interplay of economic hardship, rising food costs, and humanitarian disasters has created fertile ground for severe malnutrition rates to rise, necessitating urgent global responses.
The alarming statistic of 1.4 million babies born into hunger in Pakistan in 2024 reflects a growing crisis that necessitates immediate and concerted action from global leaders. Urging systemic changes to combat hunger and malnutrition, organizations such as Save the Children advocate for addressing conflict and climate change’s root causes. Without substantial efforts to remedy these critical issues, the cycle of malnutrition and its devastating consequences on children’s futures will persist.
Original Source: www.dawn.com
