Meals for 1850 Young Students in Pakistan

Pakistan lags far behind almost all countries in the region in the Global Hunger Index (GHI) – a tool that gauges undernourishment, stunting and weight of children to assign scores.

“In the 2020 Global Hunger Index, Pakistan ranks 88th out of 107 countries with sufficient data to calculate 2020 GHI scores,” said a report. “With a score of 24.6, Pakistan has a level of hunger that is serious.”

With a score of 24.6, Pakistan has a level of hunger that is categorized as serious. In comparison, Bangladesh ranks 75th out of the 107 countries with a score of 20.4, falling in the category of serious while Iran ranks 39th out of the 107 countries with a score of 7.9, having low category.

GHI scores are calculated using a three-step process that draws on available data from various sources to capture the multidimensional nature of hunger. First, for each country, values are determined for four indicators including undernourishment, which illustrates the share of the population having insufficient caloric intake, child wasting that means the share of children under the age of five who have low weight for their height and child stunting. Lastly, GHI includes assessment about child mortality reflecting children under the age of five in a category of the fatal mix of inadequate nutrition and unhealthy environments.

Given the current trajectory, the goal of achieving zero hunger by 2030 will not be fully achieved. This likelihood is evident even before factoring in the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which is already reducing food and nutrition security around the world, with additional effects expected into the future.

The governments were advised to ensure the right to adequate and nutritious food for all and to end hunger.

We must not only reshape our food systems to become fair, healthy, resilient, and environmentally friendly but also integrate them into a broader political effort to maximize the health of humans, animals, and our planet. To support smallholder farmers in becoming sustainable and diversified producers, governments, donors, the private sector, and NGOs must seek to improve those farmers’ access to agricultural inputs and extension services, coupling local and indigenous agricultural knowledge with new technologies.

With a population of over 210 million, Pakistan is the fifth most populous country in the world. With nearly one third of the population subsisting from daily and piece-rate wages, the COVID-19 response has necessitated an urgent and immediate strategy to protect those living in extreme poverty.

With lockdowns in effect and physical distancing measures mandatory, there were concerns about the spread of COVID-19, due to which the large population living under the poverty line such as daily wagers are facing hunger.

The state of hunger in Pakistan is clearly explained above. A large number of people in Pakistan sleep on an empty stomach every night. Based on the above, Fatima Memorial Hospital and NUR Foundation have taken the matter in their own hands and have started to supply food to poverty stricken students and families of NUR Community Outreach Program (NCOP).

We are trying to feed as many poor as we can but it is not enough and require more support from our donors in these testing times. The world is suffering but countries like Pakistan are facing major brunt. There are many more families who are unable to afford three meals per day and in order for us to continue to serve the poverty stricken masses. Your donations and support can make a huge difference.

Thanking you in advance for your continued support.