World Food Day 2024: Fighting Global Hunger
16.10.2024
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2 minutes
On October 16th, we mark World Food Day. The United Nations reports that over 2.8 billion people globally cannot afford a healthy diet, leading to various forms of malnutrition, including hunger affecting 733 million people. The situation is worsened by conflicts, climate-related extreme weather, and economic crises.
World Food Day aims to raise awareness of the global hunger crisis and the urgent need to ensure access to healthy food for everyone. One in three people cannot afford a nutritious diet, and 733 million faced hunger in 2023.
Hunger and malnutrition are directly linked to poverty – says Małgorzata Olasińska-Chart from the Polish Medical Mission. World Food Day and the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty are close on the calendar for a reason.
According to the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), hunger is especially severe during prolonged crises and climate changes, which disrupt local farming systems. Food crises are further deepened by wars, extreme weather, and economic challenges, forcing millions to reduce food intake or switch to cheaper, less nutritious options. This is currently evident in Gaza, where the Polish Medical Mission provides infant formula to address the food crisis among the enclave’s 2.2 million residents.
The Polish Medical Mission also operates in Ethiopia, distributing high-calorie meals to children and pregnant women, and supporting local health centers where food production is insufficient. In Senegal, the organization promotes education on healthy nutrition, aiming for long-term health benefits.
Nearly half of child deaths are linked to malnutrition—tragedies that can be prevented – says Małgorzata Olasińska-Chart, humanitarian aid director at the Polish Medical Mission, referencing their work in Ethiopia.
For 25 years, the Polish Medical Mission has been delivering aid where it is needed most. Every donation helps fight hunger and provides access to healthy food for those in need. For 25 years, the Polish Medical Mission has been delivering aid where it is needed most. Every donation helps fight hunger and provides access to healthy food for those in need.