HUNGER in the developing world remains one of the most prevalent obstacles to poverty reduction and sustainable economic development globally. Currently, one out of nine people is undernourished, with 98% of them residing in underdeveloped countries. Despite advancements over the years, the Global Hunger Index 2023 indicates that progress against hunger has stagnated worldwide. In this report, Pakistan ranks 102nd with a score of 26.6, signifying a serious concern regarding hunger levels and necessitating urgent action to alleviate the suffering of millions through a collective approach.
Malnutrition in Pakistan is not merely a statistical phenomenon but also a silent menace jeopardizing the future of the populace by significantly impacting health. Primarily, it poses a great challenge for women and children in the country. Furthermore, inadequate intake of essential micronutrients among school-going children is a concerning factor, with more than 80% of children lacking crucial nutrients such as calcium, vitamins and zinc. This deficiency restricts their cognitive growth and hampers long-term productivity. Moreover, the economic cost to Pakistan is substantial, with malnutrition alone accounting for an estimated annual loss of approximately $3 billion, equivalent to around 1.33% of its GDP. Additionally, direct medical costs amount to around $19 million annually.
Child stunting, a prevalent consequence of recurrent malnutrition, is characterized by poor cognitive and physical development in children under five due to insufficient nutrition during the initial 1000 days of life. Pakistan ranks as the country with the second-highest prevalence of stunting across South Asia, with over 40% of children under five suffering from stunted growth, compared to the South Asian average of 31%. This condition, closely linked to brain development, may lead to long-term physical impacts, depriving children of the ability to lead fulfilling lives. The rate of reduction in stunting presents a grim picture, at 0.5 annually, far below the global target of 3.9%. According to World Bank estimates, each batch of newborns adds a burden of $7.6 billion per annum due to stunting, posing a significant challenge to the already struggling economy.
Child wasting, another consequence of undernourishment increases a child’s risk of death by 10%. One in five children in Pakistan is wasted, with one in ten severely wasted. Pakistan also faces a high burden of underweight births, with an average of 22.7%. Furthermore, the country’s child mortality rate is alarmingly high, with a leading rate of 65 per 1000, surpassing the global average of 37 per 1000 deaths. Cognitive deficits resulting from childhood stunting and iodine deficiency will lead to reduced future productivity, costing Pakistan an estimated Net Present Value of $3.7 billion per year.
The root causes of this issue include poverty, lack of education, gender disparities, insufficient dietary diversity and limited access to healthcare. Poverty rates are higher in rural areas, with 30% of children in these regions suffering from malnutrition. In 2023, the poverty level rose from 34.4% to 39.4%, indicating that 12.5 million people have fallen below the poverty line and are vulnerable to undernourishment. Gender inequality further exacerbates vulnerability to malnutrition, as the nutritional needs of women and children are often neglected at the household level, perpetuating the issue.
A multi-sectoral approach involving education, health and social security programs is imperative. Grassroots initiatives that engage religious and community leaders to raise awareness are essential. The new government must prioritize nutrition-sensitive interventions and foster collaboration among stakeholders and authorities. Strong political will is necessary to bring about behavioural change and break the cycle of malnutrition, ultimately leading to optimal productivity levels.
—The author is associated with Balochistan Think Network Quetta.
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