Highlighting the poverty scourge

Many millions of people globally still go without food each day, according to the United Nations. So, the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, importantly, highlights the massive problem confronting so many.

This year’s theme is ‘Ending Social and Institutional Maltreatment Acting together for just, peaceful and inclusive societies’.

The World Food Program says around 152 million people in more than 120 countries and territories received aid with either cash or food distributions in 2023.

The annual International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on Thursday October 17 allows the world:

• An opportunity to acknowledge the effort and struggle of people living in poverty;
• A chance for people in poverty to make their concerns heard; and
• A moment to recognise that poor people are the first ones to fight against poverty.
• About 698 million people, or 9% of the global population are living in extreme poverty – living on less than $1.90 a day. In addition, a lack of nourishing food contributes to almost half of all preventable deaths among children under five while 200 million children under five worldwide are malnourished.
• And the problem is only getting worse according to world food agencies.

Malnutrition presents in many ways. Food needs to be adequate, appropriate for various ages, nutritious and secure. Poor access to healthy food can result in low birthweight, stunting children’s growth, and anaemia in women of childbearing age. It is also linked to overweight in schoolgirls and obesity among women.

Wasting, or low weight for height, affects more than 50 million children under five, including almost 10 per cent of children in Asia, increasing the risk of death or illness. Paradoxically, more than 38 million children under five are overweight, increasing their risk of heart disease and diabetes in later life.

As well as military conflicts, climate change is also damaging food security. More frequent and extreme weather events, floods and droughts, are destroying essential crops in many countries. These weather events are among the leading causes of worsening global hunger and food crises.

Pope Francis has continually highlighted the plight of the poor and hungry, trying to mobilise greater personal and political concern and action.

For details about the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty go to: social.desa.un.org

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