India has been ranked 105th out of 127 countries in the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2024, placing it in the serious category with a score of 27.3. The GHI, published by Concern Worldwide and Welthungerhilfe, measures hunger globally based on factors like undernourishment, child stunting, child wasting, and child mortality. India’s ranking is worrying, particularly in comparison to its neighbors like Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, which fall into the “moderate” category.

The report presents alarming statistics for India: 13.7% of the population is undernourished, 35.5% of children under five are stunted, and 18.7% suffer from wasting. Additionally, 2.9% of children die before the age of five, highlighting the severe issues India faces regarding malnutrition and access to proper healthcare.

Compared to other South Asian countries, India’s performance is a cause for concern. Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka have made significant progress and rank in the “moderate” hunger category, while Pakistan and Afghanistan also face serious challenges. India’s stagnant progress in tackling hunger and malnutrition underscores the need for immediate government intervention, investment in nutritional programs, and improving access to essential services like healthcare and clean water.

India’s challenges are deeply rooted in issues like poverty, inadequate healthcare, and unhealthy environments. As one of the world’s most populous countries, addressing hunger is vital to ensure future generations are healthy and productive. Without decisive action, India’s hunger crisis could persist for years to come, threatening the health and well-being of millions.

The Global Hunger Index 2024 calls for urgent action to tackle these challenges and improve India’s performance.