The 2014 Global Hunger Index Report is released

October 29, 2014 - Last update: February 10, 2023

On 13 October 2014, the Global Hunger Index (GHI) for 2014 was released by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). The report, which was jointly prepared by IFPRI, Welthungerhilfe and Concern Worldwide brings new insights to the global debate on where to focus efforts in the fight against hunger and malnutrition. The GHI has been updated annually since 2006 with a thematic focus each year. In 2014, the focus was on “Hidden Hunger” – a form of malnutrition also known as micronutrient deficiency.

Poor diet, disease, impaired absorption, and increased micronutrient needs during certain life stages, such as pregnancy, lactation, and infancy, are among the causes of hidden hunger, which may “invisibly” affect the health and development of a population.

The report highlights that governments must demonstrate political commitment to eliminate hidden hunger. Governments and multilateral institutions need to invest in and develop human and financial resources, increase coordination, and ensure transparent monitoring and evaluation to build capacity on nutrition. Governments must also create a regulatory environment that values good nutrition. This could involve creating incentives for private sector companies to develop more nutritious seeds or foods.

Solutions identified by the report to improve nutrition include long term food-based approaches and short term supplementation. Food solutions require sustained, and coordinated efforts to improve dietary diversification including fortification and biofortification. Along with these solutions, behavioural change communication was identified as critical to educate people about health services, sanitation and hygiene, and caring practices, as well as the need for greater empowerment of women at all levels.

Read the report at IFPRI