According to the Global Hunger Index 2024, which was adopted by the International Food Policy Research Institute, Somalia was the most affected by hunger and malnutrition, with an index of 44.1. Yemen and Chad followed behind. The World Hunger Index combines three indicators: undernourishment, child underweight, and child mortality. Sub-Saharan Africa most affected The index is dominated by countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. In the region, more than one fifth of the population is undernourished . In terms of individuals, however, South Asia has the highest number of undernourished people. Globally, there are 735 million people that are considered undernourished or starving. A lack of food is increasing in over 20 countries worldwide. Undernourishment worldwide The term malnutrition includes both undernutrition and overnutrition. Undernutrition occurs when an individual cannot maintain normal bodily functions such as growth, recovering from disease, and both learning and physical work. Some conditions such as diarrhea, malaria, and HIV/AIDS can all have a negative impact on undernutrition. Rural and agricultural communities can be especially susceptible to hunger during certain seasons. The annual hunger gap occurs when a family’s food supply may run out before the next season’s harvest is available and can result in malnutrition. Nevertheless, the prevalence of people worldwide that are undernourished has decreased over the last decades, from 18.7 percent in 1990-92 to 9.2 percent in 2022, but it has slightly increased since the outbreak of COVID-19. According to the Global Hunger Index, the reduction of global hunger has stagnated over the past decade.

In 2023, the rate of undernourishment worldwide was 9.1 percent. The region with the largest share of undernourished people was Sub-Saharan Africa, with 23.2 percent. Undernourished people worldwideSouthern Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa have some of the highest numbers of undernourished people in the world, totaling 281 million and 278 million, respectively, in 2023. Based on the World Hunger Index 2024, Somalia and Yemen were among the most affected countries by hunger and malnutrition. Worldwide, about 733.4 million people were suffering from malnutrition in 2023. MalnutritionMalnutrition occurs when a person’s diet consists of too little or too much of certain nutrients. Undernutrition occurs when a person does not intake enough calories, protein, or micronutrients. One of the primary causes of malnutrition is due to limited or a lack of accessibility to affordable, nutritious foods. Malnutrition is considered to contribute to over a third of child deaths globally. In Asia, an estimated 77 million cases of stunting, which is the primary effect of malnutrition, were recorded for children under the age of five in 2022. The FAO reports that food security and nutrition commitments by national governments are essential in eradicating the world hunger problem. Agricultural productivity, accessibility to land, services, and markets, rural development strategies, and social protection are needed to ensure a reduction in malnutrition.

Prevalence of undernourishment (% of population) in China was reported at 2.5 % in 2022, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. China - Prevalence of undernourishment (% of population) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on September of 2025.

Wasting is the process by which muscle and fat tissues "waste" away, it is sometimes called acute malnutrition. Data about wasting indicates the vast majority of wasted children are living in Southern Asia, which includes countries such as India, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. In 2024, over ** million children in Southern Asia were suffering from wasting. This statistic shows the number of children under five years worldwide who were affected by wasting in 2024.

Prevalence of undernourishment (% of population) in Norway was reported at 2.5 % in 2022, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Norway - Prevalence of undernourishment (% of population) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on September of 2025.

Prevalence of undernourishment (% of population) in Japan was reported at 3.4 % in 2022, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Japan - Prevalence of undernourishment (% of population) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on August of 2025.

Abstract

The 2024 Standardized Expanded Nutrition Survey (SENS) was conducted in Mirqaan Refugee Camp, located in Bokh Woreda, Doolo Zone, Somali Region, Ethiopia. Established in April 2023, the camp hosts over 52,000 refugees and asylum seekers, primarily displaced by the conflict in Lascanood. The survey aimed to assess the nutritional and public health status of the camp population and inform targeted interventions. Using the SENS Version 3 guidelines and SMART methodology, data were collected through a simple random sample of households between January 25–27, 2024. Modules included anthropometry, child health, infant and young child feeding (IYCF), food security (administered to a 50% household sub-sample), demography, and mortality. Results indicate a critical nutrition situation, with a Global Acute Malnutrition (GAM) rate of 24.2% and Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) prevalence of 3.8%, both exceeding emergency thresholds. The survey also highlights suboptimal IYCF practices, limited vaccination coverage, and gaps in preventive nutrition programming. Findings underscore the urgent need for multisectoral support to restore and strengthen nutrition and health services in Mirqaan camp.

Geographic coverage

Mirqaan Refugee Camp, Bokh Woreda, Doolo Zone, Somali Region, Ethiopia.

Analysis unit

Household

Universe

Refugees and asylum seekers residing in Mirqaan Refugee Camp as of January 2024.

Kind of data

Sample survey data [ssd]

Sampling procedure

Simple random sampling was used in Mirqaan Refugee Camp. The sample size was calculated using ENA for SMART. A 10% non-response rate was assumed. Finite population correction was applied due to a small under-5 population. Household verification and labelling were conducted by OWDA prior to the survey.

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

Research instrument

Standard SENS version 3 questionnaires were used, covering demographic, mortality, anthropometry, child health, IYCF, food security, and WASH modules.

United States US: Prevalence of Stunting: Height for Age: % of Children Under 5, Modeled Estimate data was reported at 4.200 % in 2024. This records an increase from the previous number of 4.000 % for 2023. United States US: Prevalence of Stunting: Height for Age: % of Children Under 5, Modeled Estimate data is updated yearly, averaging 2.800 % from Dec 2000 (Median) to 2024, with 25 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 4.200 % in 2024 and a record low of 2.500 % in 2012. United States US: Prevalence of Stunting: Height for Age: % of Children Under 5, Modeled Estimate data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.World Bank.WDI: Social: Health Statistics. Prevalence of stunting is the percentage of children under age 5 whose height for age is more than two standard deviations below the median for the international reference population ages 0-59 months. For children up to two years old height is measured by recumbent length. For older children height is measured by stature while standing. The data are based on the WHO's 2006 Child Growth Standards.;UNICEF, WHO, World Bank: Joint child Malnutrition Estimates (JME).;Weighted average;Undernourished children have lower resistance to infection and are more likely to die from common childhood ailments such as diarrheal diseases and respiratory infections. Frequent illness saps the nutritional status of those who survive, locking them into a vicious cycle of recurring sickness and faltering growth (UNICEF). Being even mildly underweight increases the risk of death and inhibits cognitive development in children. And it perpetuates the problem across generations, as malnourished women are more likely to have low-birth-weight babies. Stunting, or being below median height for age, is often used as a proxy for multifaceted deprivation and as an indicator of long-term changes in malnutrition. Estimates are modeled estimates produced by the JME. Primary data sources of the anthropometric measurements are national surveys. These surveys are administered sporadically, resulting in sparse data for many countries. Furthermore, the trend of the indicators over time is usually not a straight line and varies by country. Tracking the current level and progress of indicators helps determine if countries are on track to meet certain thresholds, such as those indicated in the SDGs. Thus the JME developed statistical models and produced the modeled estimates.

Nauru NR: Prevalence of Stunting: Height for Age: % of Children Under 5, Modeled Estimate data was reported at 16.000 % in 2024. This stayed constant from the previous number of 16.000 % for 2023. Nauru NR: Prevalence of Stunting: Height for Age: % of Children Under 5, Modeled Estimate data is updated yearly, averaging 20.900 % from Dec 2000 (Median) to 2024, with 25 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 24.600 % in 2005 and a record low of 16.000 % in 2024. Nauru NR: Prevalence of Stunting: Height for Age: % of Children Under 5, Modeled Estimate data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Nauru – Table NR.World Bank.WDI: Social: Health Statistics. Prevalence of stunting is the percentage of children under age 5 whose height for age is more than two standard deviations below the median for the international reference population ages 0-59 months. For children up to two years old height is measured by recumbent length. For older children height is measured by stature while standing. The data are based on the WHO's 2006 Child Growth Standards.;UNICEF, WHO, World Bank: Joint child Malnutrition Estimates (JME).;Weighted average;Undernourished children have lower resistance to infection and are more likely to die from common childhood ailments such as diarrheal diseases and respiratory infections. Frequent illness saps the nutritional status of those who survive, locking them into a vicious cycle of recurring sickness and faltering growth (UNICEF). Being even mildly underweight increases the risk of death and inhibits cognitive development in children. And it perpetuates the problem across generations, as malnourished women are more likely to have low-birth-weight babies. Stunting, or being below median height for age, is often used as a proxy for multifaceted deprivation and as an indicator of long-term changes in malnutrition. Estimates are modeled estimates produced by the JME. Primary data sources of the anthropometric measurements are national surveys. These surveys are administered sporadically, resulting in sparse data for many countries. Furthermore, the trend of the indicators over time is usually not a straight line and varies by country. Tracking the current level and progress of indicators helps determine if countries are on track to meet certain thresholds, such as those indicated in the SDGs. Thus the JME developed statistical models and produced the modeled estimates.

In 2024, roughly 64.8 million cases of stunting were recorded among children in Africa, versus 9.7 million cases of children being overweight. Stunting is a primary effect of malnutrition. This statistic shows the number of children under the age of five with stunting, wasting, or who were overweight worldwide in 2024, by region.

Prevalence of undernourishment (% of population) in Italy was reported at 2.5 % in 2022, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Italy - Prevalence of undernourishment (% of population) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on September of 2025.

BackgroundThe Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria were officially introduced in 2018 with the aim of establishing a standardized global framework for the diagnosis of malnutrition. Synthesizing expert consensus from multiple international organizations, the GLIM criteria proposed a two-step diagnostic model integrating both phenotypic and etiologic components. Although GLIM-related research has expanded rapidly in recent years, a comprehensive bibliometric evaluation remains absent.MethodsRelevant literature published between 2018 and 2024 was retrieved from the Scopus database. Only English-language original research articles and reviews were included. A total of 729 eligible publications were analyzed using VOSviewer (v1.6.10), CiteSpace (v5.8.R3), and the online platform Bioinformatics. The analysis covered various dimensions, including countries, institutions, authors, journals, keywords, and highly cited references.ResultsThe volume of GLIM-related publications has shown a steady upward trajectory, peaking in 2024. China emerged as the most prolific country, followed by Spain and Japan. The top contributing institutions included Uppsala University, Capital Medical University, and Beijing Shijitan Hospital. Among the most productive authors were Cederholm T, Shi H, and Correia MITD. Clinical Nutrition and Nutrients were identified as the core journals in this field. Keyword analysis revealed that “malnutrition,” “diagnosis,” “sarcopenia,” “cancer,” and “nutritional risk” were pre-dominant themes, while “systematic review,” “protein blood level,” and “gastric cancer” represented emerging areas of interest.ConclusionThis study represents the first comprehensive bibliometric analysis of research related to the GLIM criteria. It identifies key contributors, collaboration networks, and thematic evolutions in the field, highlighting a transition from the development of diagnostic frameworks to clinical application and individualized nutritional assessment. These findings provide a valuable reference for guiding future research directions in GLIM-related domains.

Equatorial Guinea GQ: Prevalence of Stunting: Height for Age: % of Children Under 5, Modeled Estimate data was reported at 17.100 % in 2024. This records a decrease from the previous number of 17.200 % for 2023. Equatorial Guinea GQ: Prevalence of Stunting: Height for Age: % of Children Under 5, Modeled Estimate data is updated yearly, averaging 24.900 % from Dec 2000 (Median) to 2024, with 25 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 38.300 % in 2000 and a record low of 17.100 % in 2024. Equatorial Guinea GQ: Prevalence of Stunting: Height for Age: % of Children Under 5, Modeled Estimate data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Equatorial Guinea – Table GQ.World Bank.WDI: Social: Health Statistics. Prevalence of stunting is the percentage of children under age 5 whose height for age is more than two standard deviations below the median for the international reference population ages 0-59 months. For children up to two years old height is measured by recumbent length. For older children height is measured by stature while standing. The data are based on the WHO's 2006 Child Growth Standards.;UNICEF, WHO, World Bank: Joint child Malnutrition Estimates (JME).;Weighted average;Undernourished children have lower resistance to infection and are more likely to die from common childhood ailments such as diarrheal diseases and respiratory infections. Frequent illness saps the nutritional status of those who survive, locking them into a vicious cycle of recurring sickness and faltering growth (UNICEF). Being even mildly underweight increases the risk of death and inhibits cognitive development in children. And it perpetuates the problem across generations, as malnourished women are more likely to have low-birth-weight babies. Stunting, or being below median height for age, is often used as a proxy for multifaceted deprivation and as an indicator of long-term changes in malnutrition. Estimates are modeled estimates produced by the JME. Primary data sources of the anthropometric measurements are national surveys. These surveys are administered sporadically, resulting in sparse data for many countries. Furthermore, the trend of the indicators over time is usually not a straight line and varies by country. Tracking the current level and progress of indicators helps determine if countries are on track to meet certain thresholds, such as those indicated in the SDGs. Thus the JME developed statistical models and produced the modeled estimates.

Prevalence of undernourishment (% of population) in Germany was reported at 2.5 % in 2022, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Germany - Prevalence of undernourishment (% of population) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on September of 2025.

Prevalence of undernourishment (% of population) in Cuba was reported at 2.5 % in 2022, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Cuba - Prevalence of undernourishment (% of population) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on September of 2025.

Germany DE: Prevalence of Stunting: Height for Age: % of Children Under 5, Modeled Estimate data was reported at 2.200 % in 2024. This records an increase from the previous number of 2.100 % for 2023. Germany DE: Prevalence of Stunting: Height for Age: % of Children Under 5, Modeled Estimate data is updated yearly, averaging 1.500 % from Dec 2000 (Median) to 2024, with 25 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 2.200 % in 2024 and a record low of 1.100 % in 2001. Germany DE: Prevalence of Stunting: Height for Age: % of Children Under 5, Modeled Estimate data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Germany – Table DE.World Bank.WDI: Social: Health Statistics. Prevalence of stunting is the percentage of children under age 5 whose height for age is more than two standard deviations below the median for the international reference population ages 0-59 months. For children up to two years old height is measured by recumbent length. For older children height is measured by stature while standing. The data are based on the WHO's 2006 Child Growth Standards.;UNICEF, WHO, World Bank: Joint child Malnutrition Estimates (JME).;Weighted average;Undernourished children have lower resistance to infection and are more likely to die from common childhood ailments such as diarrheal diseases and respiratory infections. Frequent illness saps the nutritional status of those who survive, locking them into a vicious cycle of recurring sickness and faltering growth (UNICEF). Being even mildly underweight increases the risk of death and inhibits cognitive development in children. And it perpetuates the problem across generations, as malnourished women are more likely to have low-birth-weight babies. Stunting, or being below median height for age, is often used as a proxy for multifaceted deprivation and as an indicator of long-term changes in malnutrition. Estimates are modeled estimates produced by the JME. Primary data sources of the anthropometric measurements are national surveys. These surveys are administered sporadically, resulting in sparse data for many countries. Furthermore, the trend of the indicators over time is usually not a straight line and varies by country. Tracking the current level and progress of indicators helps determine if countries are on track to meet certain thresholds, such as those indicated in the SDGs. Thus the JME developed statistical models and produced the modeled estimates.

Marshall Islands MH: Prevalence of Stunting: Height for Age: % of Children Under 5, Modeled Estimate data was reported at 30.000 % in 2024. This stayed constant from the previous number of 30.000 % for 2023. Marshall Islands MH: Prevalence of Stunting: Height for Age: % of Children Under 5, Modeled Estimate data is updated yearly, averaging 37.800 % from Dec 2000 (Median) to 2024, with 25 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 41.000 % in 2001 and a record low of 30.000 % in 2024. Marshall Islands MH: Prevalence of Stunting: Height for Age: % of Children Under 5, Modeled Estimate data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Marshall Islands – Table MH.World Bank.WDI: Social: Health Statistics. Prevalence of stunting is the percentage of children under age 5 whose height for age is more than two standard deviations below the median for the international reference population ages 0-59 months. For children up to two years old height is measured by recumbent length. For older children height is measured by stature while standing. The data are based on the WHO's 2006 Child Growth Standards.;UNICEF, WHO, World Bank: Joint child Malnutrition Estimates (JME).;Weighted average;Undernourished children have lower resistance to infection and are more likely to die from common childhood ailments such as diarrheal diseases and respiratory infections. Frequent illness saps the nutritional status of those who survive, locking them into a vicious cycle of recurring sickness and faltering growth (UNICEF). Being even mildly underweight increases the risk of death and inhibits cognitive development in children. And it perpetuates the problem across generations, as malnourished women are more likely to have low-birth-weight babies. Stunting, or being below median height for age, is often used as a proxy for multifaceted deprivation and as an indicator of long-term changes in malnutrition. Estimates are modeled estimates produced by the JME. Primary data sources of the anthropometric measurements are national surveys. These surveys are administered sporadically, resulting in sparse data for many countries. Furthermore, the trend of the indicators over time is usually not a straight line and varies by country. Tracking the current level and progress of indicators helps determine if countries are on track to meet certain thresholds, such as those indicated in the SDGs. Thus the JME developed statistical models and produced the modeled estimates.

Prevalence of undernourishment (% of population) in Switzerland was reported at 2.5 % in 2022, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Switzerland - Prevalence of undernourishment (% of population) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on September of 2025.

According to cognitive market research, the global biofortification market size was valued at xx million in 2024 and is projected to reach xx million by 2031, registering a CAGR of xx % from 2024 to 2031.

Biofortification is the process of improving the nutritional quality of food crops. This can be achieved through agronomic practices, conventional breeding, or biotechnology-based approaches like genetic engineering and genome editing. Biofortification is the idea of breeding crops to increase their nutritional value.
The need for biofortification cannot be ignored, especially in a post-pandemic world where millions of people have been forced into poverty and hidden hunger is a widely prevalent phenomenon.
The initial cost of fortification, which includes buying equipment, quality control procedures, and fortified additives, can be high for many food businesses.
Asia-Pacific leads the world market for biofortification because of the strong growth potential in agriculture in this region as well as the growing consumer preference for food with a high nutritional content, which is expected to drive demand for biofortified crops.

Market Dynamics of the Biofortification Market

Key Drivers of the Biofortification Market

Increasing demand for high-nutrition food is expected to boost the market for biofortification

Growing consumer health consciousness due to health challenges, such as instances of malnutrition and nutritional deficiencies, and increased demand for high-nutrition foods are driving the biofortification industry. Growing investments in agricultural expansion and increasing technology advancements are helping the worldwide biofortification industry. The number of children experiencing malnutrition and the rising rates of nutritional deficiencies are expected to drive up demand for biofortification. The global biofortification market is expected to grow during the estimated period due to rising demand. The demand for biofortification is predicted to rise in response to the increasing rates of nutritional deficiencies and the number of children suffering from malnutrition. As a result of surging demand, the worldwide biofortification market is predicted to increase in the projected period. • For instance, In October 2020, the Tanzanian government launched the National Biofortification Guidelines, which will aid in preventing nutrient deficiencies among the populace and reaffirm its commitment to combating malnutrition. The recommendations give stakeholders guidance on how to manage their agricultural value chain activities. They were released by the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) in partnership with Nutrition International. (Source:https://scalingupnutrition.org/news/tanzania-releases-national-biofortification-guidelines-address-malnutrition-challenge)

Restraints of the Biofortification Market

The cost of fortification and nutrient stability is hampering the market growth of biofortification

One major obstacle may be the expense of fortification, which includes the acquisition, preparation, and distribution of fortified foods. The initial cost of fortification, which includes buying equipment, quality control procedures, and fortified additives, can be high for many food businesses. Fortified items may become less cheap for customers as a result of these additional expenditures, especially in areas with lower income levels. Nutrient stability is also a significant problem. Certain minerals and vitamins can degrade during processing and storage because they are sensitive to elements like heat, light, and oxygen. Throughout the product's shelf life, stability and bioavailability must be maintained to guarantee that consumers obtain the desired nutritional advantages. creating goods that may survive these difficulties and still adhere to regulation.

How Did Covid-19 Impact On The Biofortification Market

Reversing the impact of years of poverty, the COVID-19 pandemic, and other disruptions is only possible through nutrient-based strategies like biofortification. As per the World Health Organization (WHO), biofortification is a process of breeding staple crops to enhance their nutritional quality and profile. It is a relatively novel approach to nutrient enrichment and one of the most effective, efficient, and sustainable ways of addressing the issue of hidden hunger amongst the masses, especially in developing nations. The ...