The Global Hunger Index (GHI) is a tool designed to comprehensively measure and track hunger globally, regionally, and by country. Each year, the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) calculates GHI scores in order to assess progress, or the lack thereof, in decreasing hunger. The GHI is designed to raise awareness and understanding of regional and country differences in the struggle against hunger. Since 2015, GHI scores have been calculated using a revised and improved formula. The revision replaces child underweight, previously the sole indicator of child undernutrition, with two indicators of child undernutrition—child wasting and child stunting—which are equally weighted in the GHI calculation. The revised formula also standardizes each of the component indicators to balance their contribution to the overall index and to changes in the GHI scores over time. The 2016 GHI has been calculated for 118 countries for which data on the four component indicators are available and where measuring hunger is considered most relevant. GHI scores are not calculated for some higher income countries where the prevalence of hunger is very low. The GHI is only as current as the data for its four component indicators. This year's GHI reflects the most recent available country-level data and projections available between 2011 and 2016. It therefore reflects the hunger levels during this period rather than solely capturing conditions in 2016. The 1992, 2000, 2008, and 2016 GHI scores reflect the latest revised data for the four component indicators of the GHI. Where original source data were not available, the estimates of the GHI component indicators were based on the most recent data available. The four component indicators used to calculate the GHI scores draw upon data from the following sources: 1. Undernourishment: Updated data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) were used for the 1992, 2000, 2008, and 2016 GHI scores. Undernourishment data and projections for the 2016 GHI are for 2014-2016. 2. Child wasting and stunting: The child undernutrition indicators of the GHI—child wasting and child stunting—include data from the joint database of United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the World Bank, and additional data from WHO's continuously updated Global Database on Child Growth and Malnutrition; the most recent Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) and Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) reports; and statistical tables from UNICEF. For the 2016 GHI, data on child wasting and child stunting are for the latest year for which data are available in the period 2011-2015. 3. Child mortality: Updated data from the UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation were used for the 1992, 2000, 2008, and 2016 GHI scores. For the 2016 GHI, data on child mortality are from 2015. Resources related to 2016 Global Hunger Index 2016 Global Hunger Index Web App 2016 Global Hunger Index Linked Open Data (LOD) 2016 Global Hunger Index Report

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This dataset includes malnutrition indicators and some of the features that might impact malnutrition. The detailed description of the dataset is given below:

• Percentage-of-underweight-children-data: Percentage of children aged 5 years or below who are underweight by country.

• Prevalence of Underweight among Female Adults (Age Standardized Estimate): Percentage of female adults whos BMI is less than 18.

• GDP per capita (constant 2015 US$): GDP per capita is gross domestic product divided by midyear population. GDP is the sum of gross value added by all resident producers in the economy plus any product taxes and minus any subsidies not included in the value of the products. It is calculated without making deductions for depreciation of fabricated assets or for depletion and degradation of natural resources. Data are in constant 2015 U.S. dollars.

• Domestic general government health expenditure (% of GDP): Public expenditure on health from domestic sources as a share of the economy as measured by GDP.

• Maternal mortality ratio (modeled estimate, per 100,000 live births): Maternal mortality ratio is the number of women who die from pregnancy-related causes while pregnant or within 42 days of pregnancy termination per 100,000 live births. The data are estimated with a regression model using information on the proportion of maternal deaths among non-AIDS deaths in women ages 15-49, fertility, birth attendants, and GDP measured using purchasing power parities (PPPs).

• Mean-age-at-first-birth-of-women-aged-20-50-data: Average age at which women of age 20-50 years have their first child.

• School enrollment, secondary, female (% gross): Gross enrollment ratio is the ratio of total enrollment, regardless of age, to the population of the age group that officially corresponds to the level of education shown. Secondary education completes the provision of basic education that began at the primary level, and aims at laying the foundations for lifelong learning and human development, by offering more subject- or skill-oriented instruction using more specialized teachers.

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.

United States US: Prevalence of Stunting: Height for Age: Male: % of Children Under 5 data was reported at 3.000 % in 2012. This records a decrease from the previous number of 3.200 % for 2009. United States US: Prevalence of Stunting: Height for Age: Male: % of Children Under 5 data is updated yearly, averaging 3.600 % from Dec 1991 (Median) to 2012, with 6 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 4.500 % in 2002 and a record low of 3.000 % in 2012. United States US: Prevalence of Stunting: Height for Age: Male: % of Children Under 5 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: Health Statistics. Prevalence of stunting, male, is the percentage of boys 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 new child growth standards released in 2006.; ; World Health Organization, Global Database on Child Growth and Malnutrition. Country-level data are unadjusted data from national surveys, and thus may not be comparable across countries.; Linear mixed-effect model estimates; 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, www.childinfo.org). Estimates of child malnutrition, based on prevalence of underweight and stunting, are from national survey data. The proportion of underweight children is the most common malnutrition indicator. 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.

This dataset measures food availability and access for 76 low- and middle-income countries. The dataset includes annual country-level data on area, yield, production, nonfood use, trade, and consumption for grains and root and tuber crops (combined as R&T in the documentation tables), food aid, total value of imports and exports, gross domestic product, and population compiled from a variety of sources. This dataset is the basis for the International Food Security Assessment 2015-2025 released in June 2015. This annual ERS report projects food availability and access for 76 low- and middle-income countries over a 10-year period. Countries (Spatial Description, continued): Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Jamaica, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Moldova, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Swaziland, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Resources in this dataset:Resource Title: CSV File for all years and all countries. File Name: gfa25.csvResource Title: International Food Security country data. File Name: GrainDemandProduction.xlsxResource Description: Excel files of individual country data. Please note that these files provide the data in a different layout from the CSV file. This version of the data files was updated 9-2-2021

More up-to-date files may be found at: https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/international-food-security.aspx

United States US: Prevalence of Underweight: Weight for Age: Female: % of Children Under 5 data was reported at 0.400 % in 2012. This records a decrease from the previous number of 0.700 % for 2009. United States US: Prevalence of Underweight: Weight for Age: Female: % of Children Under 5 data is updated yearly, averaging 0.800 % from Dec 1991 (Median) to 2012, with 6 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 1.200 % in 1991 and a record low of 0.400 % in 2012. United States US: Prevalence of Underweight: Weight for Age: Female: % of Children Under 5 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s USA – Table US.World Bank: Health Statistics. Prevalence of underweight, female, is the percentage of girls under age 5 whose weight for age is more than two standard deviations below the median for the international reference population ages 0-59 months. The data are based on the WHO's new child growth standards released in 2006.; ; World Health Organization, Global Database on Child Growth and Malnutrition. Country-level data are unadjusted data from national surveys, and thus may not be comparable across countries.; Linear mixed-effect model estimates; 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, www.childinfo.org). Estimates of child malnutrition, based on prevalence of underweight and stunting, are from national survey data. The proportion of underweight children is the most common malnutrition indicator. 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.

Analysis of ‘Malnutrition across the globe’ provided by Analyst-2 (analyst-2.ai), based on source dataset retrieved from https://www.kaggle.com/ruchi798/malnutrition-across-the-globe on 28 January 2022.

--- Dataset description provided by original source is as follows ---

Context

Malnutrition continues to be the reason for making children much more vulnerable to diseases and death. There are 4 broad types of malnutrition: wasting, stunting, underweight and overweight.

Content

1. Severe Wasting - % of children aged 0–59 months who are below minus three standard deviations from median weight-for-height Wasting – Moderate and severe: % of children aged 0–59 months who are below minus two standard deviations from median weight-for-height
2. Overweight – Moderate and severe: % aged 0-59 months who are above two standard deviations from median weight-for-height
3. Stunting – Moderate and severe: % of children aged 0–59 months who are below minus two standard deviations from median height-for-age
4. Underweight – Moderate and severe: % of children aged 0–59 months who are below minus two standard deviations from median weight-for-age

Inspiration

• Was there a decline or rise in the number of malnutrition cases country-wise?
• Which countries bear the greatest share of all forms of malnutrition?
• % of stunted, overweight and wasted children under 5, by country income classification

Data Visualization on Tableau

--- Original source retains full ownership of the source dataset ---

Rural areas of Madagascar face a tense food and nutrition security situation. The country reports some of the highest rates of undernourishment and malnutrition worldwide. Evidence is scant, however, about how the rural people’s diets vary over the course of the agricultural year, and how different household types deal with fluctuating food availability. This lack of detailed understanding of the food and nutrition security situation across time and social strata currently limits development stakeholders’ ability to tailor interventions to local needs. Using randomly sampled survey data from Farafangana District in south-eastern Madagascar, this study analyzes rural households’ diets across three time points within one year (minor lean period, major lean period, main post-harvest period). In addition, anthropometric data on children aged 6–59  months were collected during the major lean period to determine levels of chronic and acute child malnutrition. Overall, food insecurity stood at high levels at all times, but with substantial variation across the year. Shortly before the main rice harvest, the prevalence of moderate and severe food insecurity was 78%, twice as high as shortly after harvest. With 57% of children stunted and a 17% prevalence of wasting, the observed levels of chronic and acute child malnutrition exceed levels reported previously. By studying what households eat and how they source it (own production vs. purchases), we found distinct patterns of food acquisition between the three periods. Diminishing food security is reflected by substituting rice by cassava, unripe jackfruit (minor lean period), and local tuber tavolo (major lean period), as well as by lower diversity of side dishes. Our results underline the need for long-term agricultural development strategies that contribute to greater household food self-sufficiency especially during the lean periods. But the alarming level of acute child malnutrition also calls for more immediate humanitarian aid and public health interventions.

The zipped CSV files details Global Acute Malnutrition (GAM) prevalence data resulting from Round V of the Nutrition and Food Security SMART survey conducted at the Local Government (LGA) Level in all three crisis-affected states of north east Nigeria, July 2018. Also featured is data on Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM), Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM), and MAM prevalence among beneficiaries 15-49 years, including the respective severity ranking.

Rural areas of Madagascar face a tense food and nutrition security situation. The country reports some of the highest rates of undernourishment and malnutrition worldwide. Evidence is scant, however, about how the rural people’s diets vary over the course of the agricultural year, and how different household types deal with fluctuating food availability. This lack of detailed understanding of the food and nutrition security situation across time and social strata currently limits development stakeholders’ ability to tailor interventions to local needs. Using randomly sampled survey data from Farafangana District in south-eastern Madagascar, this study analyzes rural households’ diets across three time points within one year (minor lean period, major lean period, main post-harvest period). In addition, anthropometric data on children aged 6–59  months were collected during the major lean period to determine levels of chronic and acute child malnutrition. Overall, food insecurity stood at high levels at all times, but with substantial variation across the year. Shortly before the main rice harvest, the prevalence of moderate and severe food insecurity was 78%, twice as high as shortly after harvest. With 57% of children stunted and a 17% prevalence of wasting, the observed levels of chronic and acute child malnutrition exceed levels reported previously. By studying what households eat and how they source it (own production vs. purchases), we found distinct patterns of food acquisition between the three periods. Diminishing food security is reflected by substituting rice by cassava, unripe jackfruit (minor lean period), and local tuber tavolo (major lean period), as well as by lower diversity of side dishes. Our results underline the need for long-term agricultural development strategies that contribute to greater household food self-sufficiency especially during the lean periods. But the alarming level of acute child malnutrition also calls for more immediate humanitarian aid and public health interventions.

United States US: Prevalence of Wasting: Weight for Height: Female: % of Children Under 5 data was reported at 0.700 % in 2012. This records an increase from the previous number of 0.500 % for 2009. United States US: Prevalence of Wasting: Weight for Height: Female: % of Children Under 5 data is updated yearly, averaging 0.550 % from Dec 1991 (Median) to 2012, with 6 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 0.800 % in 2005 and a record low of 0.100 % in 2001. United States US: Prevalence of Wasting: Weight for Height: Female: % of Children Under 5 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: Health Statistics. Prevalence of wasting, female, is the proportion of girls under age 5 whose weight for height is more than two standard deviations below the median for the international reference population ages 0-59.; ; World Health Organization, Global Database on Child Growth and Malnutrition. Country-level data are unadjusted data from national surveys, and thus may not be comparable across countries.; Linear mixed-effect model estimates; 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, www.childinfo.org). Estimates of child malnutrition, based on prevalence of underweight and stunting, are from national survey data. The proportion of underweight children is the most common malnutrition indicator. 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.

Somalia SO: Prevalence of Wasting: Weight for Height: Female: % of Children Under 5 data was reported at 13.400 % in 2009. This records an increase from the previous number of 11.900 % for 2006. Somalia SO: Prevalence of Wasting: Weight for Height: Female: % of Children Under 5 data is updated yearly, averaging 12.650 % from Dec 2006 (Median) to 2009, with 2 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 13.400 % in 2009 and a record low of 11.900 % in 2006. Somalia SO: Prevalence of Wasting: Weight for Height: Female: % of Children Under 5 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Somalia – Table SO.World Bank: Health Statistics. Prevalence of wasting, female, is the proportion of girls under age 5 whose weight for height is more than two standard deviations below the median for the international reference population ages 0-59.; ; World Health Organization, Global Database on Child Growth and Malnutrition. Country-level data are unadjusted data from national surveys, and thus may not be comparable across countries.; Linear mixed-effect model estimates; 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, www.childinfo.org). Estimates of child malnutrition, based on prevalence of underweight and stunting, are from national survey data. The proportion of underweight children is the most common malnutrition indicator. 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.

Guyana GY: Prevalence of Underweight: Weight for Age: Female: % of Children Under 5 data was reported at 9.400 % in 2009. This records a decrease from the previous number of 10.000 % for 2006. Guyana GY: Prevalence of Underweight: Weight for Age: Female: % of Children Under 5 data is updated yearly, averaging 9.900 % from Dec 2000 (Median) to 2009, with 3 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 10.000 % in 2006 and a record low of 9.400 % in 2009. Guyana GY: Prevalence of Underweight: Weight for Age: Female: % of Children Under 5 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Guyana – Table GY.World Bank.WDI: Health Statistics. Prevalence of underweight, female, is the percentage of girls under age 5 whose weight for age is more than two standard deviations below the median for the international reference population ages 0-59 months. The data are based on the WHO's new child growth standards released in 2006.; ; World Health Organization, Global Database on Child Growth and Malnutrition. Country-level data are unadjusted data from national surveys, and thus may not be comparable across countries.; Linear mixed-effect model estimates; 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, www.childinfo.org). Estimates of child malnutrition, based on prevalence of underweight and stunting, are from national survey data. The proportion of underweight children is the most common malnutrition indicator. 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.

Kuwait KW: Prevalence of Wasting: Weight for Height: Female: % of Children Under 5 data was reported at 2.000 % in 2014. This records a decrease from the previous number of 2.400 % for 2013. Kuwait KW: Prevalence of Wasting: Weight for Height: Female: % of Children Under 5 data is updated yearly, averaging 2.300 % from Dec 2001 (Median) to 2014, with 14 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 3.600 % in 2007 and a record low of 1.400 % in 2011. Kuwait KW: Prevalence of Wasting: Weight for Height: Female: % of Children Under 5 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Kuwait – Table KW.World Bank: Health Statistics. Prevalence of wasting, female, is the proportion of girls under age 5 whose weight for height is more than two standard deviations below the median for the international reference population ages 0-59.; ; World Health Organization, Global Database on Child Growth and Malnutrition. Country-level data are unadjusted data from national surveys, and thus may not be comparable across countries.; Linear mixed-effect model estimates; 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, www.childinfo.org). Estimates of child malnutrition, based on prevalence of underweight and stunting, are from national survey data. The proportion of underweight children is the most common malnutrition indicator. 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.

Japan JP: Prevalence of Stunting: Height for Age: Female: % of Children Under 5 data was reported at 6.500 % in 2010. Japan JP: Prevalence of Stunting: Height for Age: Female: % of Children Under 5 data is updated yearly, averaging 6.500 % from Dec 2010 (Median) to 2010, with 1 observations. Japan JP: Prevalence of Stunting: Height for Age: Female: % of Children Under 5 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Japan – Table JP.World Bank.WDI: Health Statistics. Prevalence of stunting, female, is the percentage of girls 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 new child growth standards released in 2006.; ; World Health Organization, Global Database on Child Growth and Malnutrition. Country-level data are unadjusted data from national surveys, and thus may not be comparable across countries.; Linear mixed-effect model estimates; 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, www.childinfo.org). Estimates of child malnutrition, based on prevalence of underweight and stunting, are from national survey data. The proportion of underweight children is the most common malnutrition indicator. 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.

Somalia SO: Prevalence of Underweight: Weight for Age: Male: % of Children Under 5 data was reported at 24.600 % in 2009. This records a decrease from the previous number of 34.200 % for 2006. Somalia SO: Prevalence of Underweight: Weight for Age: Male: % of Children Under 5 data is updated yearly, averaging 29.400 % from Dec 2006 (Median) to 2009, with 2 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 34.200 % in 2006 and a record low of 24.600 % in 2009. Somalia SO: Prevalence of Underweight: Weight for Age: Male: % of Children Under 5 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Somalia – Table SO.World Bank: Health Statistics. Prevalence of underweight, male, is the percentage of boys under age 5 whose weight for age is more than two standard deviations below the median for the international reference population ages 0-59 months. The data are based on the WHO's new child growth standards released in 2006.; ; World Health Organization, Global Database on Child Growth and Malnutrition. Country-level data are unadjusted data from national surveys, and thus may not be comparable across countries.; Linear mixed-effect model estimates; 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, www.childinfo.org). Estimates of child malnutrition, based on prevalence of underweight and stunting, are from national survey data. The proportion of underweight children is the most common malnutrition indicator. 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.

The Global Hunger Index (GHI) is a comprehensive tool used to assess and rank the state of hunger worldwide. It provides valuable insights into the severity of hunger and malnutrition in various countries, highlighting the challenges faced by populations in accessing sufficient and nutritious food.

By analyzing multiple factors such as undernourishment, child wasting, child stunting, and child mortality, the Global Hunger Index presents a holistic picture of the hunger situation globally. The index takes into account both the prevalence and intensity of hunger, considering not only the lack of food but also the quality of nutrition and health outcomes.

Through its rankings, the Global Hunger Index aims to draw attention to regions and countries where hunger is most prevalent and urgent. It serves as a crucial tool for policymakers, organizations, and governments to identify areas requiring immediate intervention and to formulate effective strategies for combating hunger and improving food security.

Moreover, the Global Hunger Index plays a significant role in monitoring progress and identifying trends over time, enabling stakeholders to track improvements or setbacks in the fight against hunger. By regularly updating the index, it provides an objective measure to evaluate the effectiveness of policies and interventions implemented to address hunger-related challenges.

Ultimately, the Global Hunger Index serves as a call to action, urging global cooperation and collective efforts to eliminate hunger, promote sustainable agricultural practices, and ensure access to nutritious food for all.

United States US: Prevalence of Wasting: Weight for Height: Male: % of Children Under 5 data was reported at 0.400 % in 2012. This records a decrease from the previous number of 0.500 % for 2009. United States US: Prevalence of Wasting: Weight for Height: Male: % of Children Under 5 data is updated yearly, averaging 0.650 % from Dec 1991 (Median) to 2012, with 6 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 0.800 % in 2005 and a record low of 0.400 % in 2012. United States US: Prevalence of Wasting: Weight for Height: Male: % of Children Under 5 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s USA – Table US.World Bank: Health Statistics. Prevalence of wasting, male,is the proportion of boys under age 5 whose weight for height is more than two standard deviations below the median for the international reference population ages 0-59.; ; World Health Organization, Global Database on Child Growth and Malnutrition. Country-level data are unadjusted data from national surveys, and thus may not be comparable across countries.; Linear mixed-effect model estimates; 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, www.childinfo.org). Estimates of child malnutrition, based on prevalence of underweight and stunting, are from national survey data. The proportion of underweight children is the most common malnutrition indicator. 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.

Ghana GH: Prevalence of Underweight: Weight for Age: Female: % of Children Under 5 data was reported at 11.600 % in 2014. This records an increase from the previous number of 11.300 % for 2011. Ghana GH: Prevalence of Underweight: Weight for Age: Female: % of Children Under 5 data is updated yearly, averaging 14.950 % from Dec 1988 (Median) to 2014, with 8 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 23.400 % in 1988 and a record low of 11.300 % in 2011. Ghana GH: Prevalence of Underweight: Weight for Age: Female: % of Children Under 5 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Ghana – Table GH.World Bank.WDI: Health Statistics. Prevalence of underweight, female, is the percentage of girls under age 5 whose weight for age is more than two standard deviations below the median for the international reference population ages 0-59 months. The data are based on the WHO's new child growth standards released in 2006.; ; World Health Organization, Global Database on Child Growth and Malnutrition. Country-level data are unadjusted data from national surveys, and thus may not be comparable across countries.; Linear mixed-effect model estimates; 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, www.childinfo.org). Estimates of child malnutrition, based on prevalence of underweight and stunting, are from national survey data. The proportion of underweight children is the most common malnutrition indicator. 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.

Samoa WS: Prevalence of Underweight: Weight for Age: % of Children Under 5 data was reported at 2.700 % in 2014. This records an increase from the previous number of 1.700 % for 1999. Samoa WS: Prevalence of Underweight: Weight for Age: % of Children Under 5 data is updated yearly, averaging 2.200 % from Dec 1999 (Median) to 2014, with 2 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 2.700 % in 2014 and a record low of 1.700 % in 1999. Samoa WS: Prevalence of Underweight: Weight for Age: % of Children Under 5 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Samoa – Table WS.World Bank.WDI: Health Statistics. Prevalence of underweight children is the percentage of children under age 5 whose weight for age is more than two standard deviations below the median for the international reference population ages 0-59 months. The data are based on the WHO's child growth standards released in 2006.; ; UNICEF, WHO, World Bank: Joint child malnutrition estimates (JME). Aggregation is based on UNICEF, WHO, and the World Bank harmonized dataset (adjusted, comparable data) and methodology.; Linear mixed-effect model estimates; 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, www.childinfo.org). Estimates of child malnutrition, based on prevalence of underweight and stunting, are from national survey data. The proportion of underweight children is the most common malnutrition indicator. 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.