Global Hunger Index facts for kids

The Global Hunger Index (GHI) is a special tool that helps us understand how much hunger there is in different countries. It's like a report card for hunger. It uses numbers to show us where people might not have enough food.

To figure out the GHI score for a country, three important numbers are used. Each number is equally important:

What is the Global Hunger Index?

The Global Hunger Index (GHI) is a way to measure and track hunger around the world. It helps us see which countries are struggling the most and if things are getting better or worse. It's a useful tool for governments and organizations trying to fight hunger.

How is Hunger Measured?

The GHI looks at three main things to give a country its score. These three things help paint a full picture of hunger:

1. Not Enough Food

This part looks at the percentage of people in a country who don't get enough food to have the energy they need every day. Imagine if you didn't eat enough to play, learn, or even just walk around. This number shows how many people are in that situation.

2. Kids Who Are Too Small

This measures the percentage of children under five years old who are too light for their age. This is called being underweight. When young children don't get enough good food, they can't grow properly. This number tells us how many little ones are affected.

3. Sadly, Too Many Young Lives Lost

This looks at the number of children who die before they turn five years old. This is called the child mortality rate. When children don't have enough food, or if they are very weak from not eating well, they are more likely to get sick and not survive. This number shows how many young lives are lost because of hunger and poor health.

What Do the Scores Mean?

Once these three numbers are put together, the GHI gives a score between 0 and 100. A lower score is better, meaning there is less hunger. A higher score means the hunger situation is more serious. Here's what the scores mean:

• Scores below 5: There is very little concern about hunger.
• Scores from 5 to 9.9: There is a moderate concern about hunger.
• Scores from 10 to 19.9: The hunger situation is serious.
• Scores from 20 to 29.9: The hunger situation is alarming.
• Scores of 30 or higher: The hunger situation is extremely alarming.

Where is Hunger a Big Problem?

Today, some of the highest GHI scores are found in parts of Africa south of the Sahara Desert and in South Asia. For example, in 2021, Sub-Saharan Africa had a score of 22.1, and South Asia had 23.0.

Even though their scores might be similar, the main reasons for hunger can be different in these places. In Sub-Saharan Africa, a big problem is that many people don't get enough food for their daily energy, and too many young children die. In South Asia, the biggest issue is the high number of children under five who are underweight. This can sometimes be because women don't have as much education, and sometimes baby girls are not fed as well as baby boys.

Images for kids

• 

  2021 Global Hunger Index by Severity

See also

In Spanish: Índice global del hambre para niños