By Anjali Sharma
UNITED NATIONS – WHO in a new UN report published on Wednesday concludes that the Asia and Pacific region has made notable progress in reducing hunger, persistent challenges remain in addressing malnutrition, food insecurity and unequal access to healthy diets,.
The prevalence of undernourishment in the region declined to 6.4 per cent in 2024, down from seven per cent in 2023, marking a significant improvement, according to the report.
This progress translates into 25 million people escaping hunger in just one year.
Progress is uneven, however, with nearly 80 per cent of people living in South Asia at risk. Overall, Asia and the Pacific region still account for nearly 40 per cent of the world hungry.
In 2024, 24.4 per cent of children under five were stunted, with South Asia recording the highest prevalence. On the other hand, adult obesity continues to rise, particularly in Oceania (Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific)
The report found that the cost of a healthy diet in the region averaged higher than the global average last year, at $4.77 per person per day on Purchasing Power Parity.
Other key recommendations, the report called on countries to strengthen multi sector policies addressing food insecurity and nutrition.
