In 2024, over 1.4 million babies in Pakistan were born into hunger, influenced by climate shocks and conflict. Globally, roughly 18.2 million children faced similar fates, with rising under-nourishment levels prompting urgent calls for humanitarian aid and systemic changes to address food insecurity.
Recent estimates reveal a troubling situation in Pakistan, where over 1.4 million babies were born into hunger in 2024. This alarming figure places Pakistan as the country with the second highest number of infants facing hunger amid rising global under-nourishment rates. The analysis conducted by Save the Children indicates that approximately 18.2 million children were born into hunger globally in the same year, fueled by ongoing conflicts and climate crises that have worsened food security conditions. In comparison to previous years, this number reflects a significant rise in the number of undernourished births, prompting urgent calls for humanitarian support and systemic interventions.
The dire situation is exacerbated by the combined effects of conflict, displacement, and extreme weather events, which have significantly impacted children’s nutrition worldwide. Countries such as South Sudan, Haiti, Mali, and Sudan, are facing catastrophic food insecurity, with reports of widespread malnutrition. In particular, the conflict-stricken northern Gaza Strip is anticipating severe hunger crises, highlighting the pressing need for comprehensive humanitarian action.
Hannah Stephenson, Global Head of Hunger and Nutrition at Save the Children, stated that “over 18 million newborns this year — 35 children a minute — were born into a world where hunger is their reality from their first moments of life.” This statement emphasizes the critical need for immediate access to food, healthcare, and nutrition for vulnerable populations to mitigate the effects of childhood malnutrition, which can lead to grave health consequences and stunted development.
Save the Children is calling for increased efforts from global leaders to address the root causes of hunger and malnutrition. The organization advocates for enhanced resilience in health, nutrition, and social protection systems, aimed at combating climate change and reducing conflict-driven hunger. Without decisive intervention, the cycle of malnutrition among children is likely to continue, endangering their futures and undermining global progress in tackling food insecurity.
The rising number of children born into hunger reflects a broader global crisis exacerbated by climate change and ongoing conflicts. As nations face recurrent natural disasters and socio-political turmoil, the health and nutritional status of millions of children are at stake. Pakistan, classified among the most climate-vulnerable nations, illustrates the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to combat food insecurity, ensuring that children receive adequate nutrition from birth. Notably, humanitarian organizations like Save the Children play a pivotal role in highlighting these challenges and advocating for necessary interventions to protect children’s rights and wellbeing.
The grave reality of over 1.4 million infants born into hunger in Pakistan in 2024 underscores a critical humanitarian crisis affecting children globally. As conflict and climate change converge, the number of undernourished births continues to rise, necessitating immediate action from world leaders. Without addressing the underlying causes of hunger and malnutrition, the progress made over the years may be reversed, putting countless children’s lives and futures at risk.
Original Source: www.dawn.com
