The Global Hidden Hunger Indices and Maps: An Advocacy Tool for Action

Summary

The unified global efforts to mitigate the high burden of vitamin and mineral deficiency, known as hidden hunger, in populations around the world are crucial to the achievement of most of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). We developed indices and maps of global hidden hunger to help prioritize program assistance, and to serve as an evidence-based global advocacy tool. Two types of hidden hunger indices and maps were created based on i) national prevalence data on stunting, anemia due to iron deficiency, and low serum retinol levels among preschool-aged children in 149 countries; and ii) estimates of Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) attributed to micronutrient deficiencies in 136 countries. A number of countries in sub-Saharan Africa, as well as India and Afghanistan, had an alarmingly high level of hidden hunger, with stunting, iron deficiency anemia, and vitamin A deficiency all being highly prevalent. The total DALY rates per 100,000 population, attributed to micronutrient deficiencies, were generally the highest in sub-Saharan African countries. In 36 countries, home to 90% of the world’s stunted children, deficiencies of micronutrients were responsible for 1.5-12% of the total DALYs. The pattern and magnitude of iodine deficiency did not conform to that of other micronutrients. The greatest proportions of children with iodine deficiency were in the Eastern Mediterranean (46.6%), European (44.2%), and African (40.4%) regions. The current indices and maps provide crucial data to optimize the prioritization of program assistance addressing global multiple micronutrient deficiencies. Moreover, the indices and maps serve as a useful advocacy tool in the call for increased commitments to scale up effective nutrition interventions.

Related articles

• NURSING BULLETS FUNDAMENTALS OF NURSING

  This document serves as a comprehensive guide for nursing fundamentals, covering essential topics and clinical practices for nurses, including patient safety, medication administration, and nursing processes.

• Cancer detection in clinical practice and using blood-based liquid biopsy: A retrospective audit of over 350 dogs

  This article presents a retrospective audit of cancer detection methods in dogs, particularly focusing on the effectiveness of blood-based liquid biopsy as a tool for early detection during routine wellness visits. It evaluates the rates at which cancer was diagnosed in a cohort of client-owned dogs and compares them against current standard care practices.

• Temporal reasoning with medical data - A review with emphasis on medical natural language processing

  This document reviews the significance and challenges of processing temporal information in medical narrative data, emphasizing the intersection between temporal reasoning and medical natural language processing. It discusses theoretical frameworks, methodologies, and the need for more research in this domain.

• Endocrine Disorders

  This document provides an overview of the endocrine system, detailing the anatomy and functions of various glands, hormones released, and diagnostic tests related to endocrine disorders.

• NCM 116: CARE OF CLIENTS WITH NEUROLOGIC DISORDERS (ALTERATION IN PERCEPTION)

  This document serves as an outline for a course on the care of clients with neurologic disorders, focusing on the nervous system's structure, functions, and endocrine disorders as they relate to patient care.