Test Your World Hunger Knowledge

Hunger is considered the number one risk to health worldwide because it leads to malnutrition and weakens the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to diseases and infections. Lack of access to nutritious food can also cause various health problems such as stunted growth, developmental issues, and increased mortality rates, particularly among children. Additionally, hunger can exacerbate existing health conditions and hinder overall physical and mental well-being. Addressing hunger is crucial for improving global health outcomes and reducing the burden of disease.

Iron deficiency is the correct answer because it is a common mineral deficiency that can cause tiredness and lethargy. Iron is essential for the production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to the body's tissues. When there is a lack of iron, the body cannot produce enough hemoglobin, leading to fatigue and weakness. Iron deficiency can also impair cognitive development, particularly in children, and it is a widespread issue in developing countries, affecting a significant percentage of children aged 6-24 months.

Guatemala has the highest incidence of chronic malnutrition among Latin American countries, with 49% of children affected. This indicates that a significant portion of children in Guatemala suffer from long-term inadequate nutrition, which can have severe consequences on their physical and cognitive development. Factors such as poverty, limited access to nutritious food, and inadequate healthcare contribute to this high prevalence of chronic malnutrition in Guatemala.

One in four children in the world are stunted. This means that their growth and development have been impaired due to malnutrition or other factors. Stunting can have long-term effects on a child's physical and cognitive development, leading to lifelong consequences. This statistic highlights the significant global issue of child malnutrition and the need for interventions and support to improve children's nutrition and overall well-being.

Every year, approximately 3.1 million children under the age of five die due to poor nutrition. This means that a significant number of young lives are lost because they do not have access to adequate and nutritious food. Poor nutrition can lead to various health issues and weakened immune systems, making children more susceptible to diseases and infections. It is crucial to address this issue and ensure that all children have access to proper nutrition to prevent unnecessary deaths.

Deficiency in Vitamin A weakens the immune systems of 140 million preschool children and more than seven million pregnant women, and is also a leading cause of child blindness across developing countries.

If women farmers had the same access to education and resources as men, it is likely that they would be able to increase their productivity and efficiency in farming. This would lead to an increase in food production, which could help to reduce the number of hungry people in the world. The answer of 150 million suggests that if women farmers had equal access to education and resources, it could potentially reduce the number of hungry people by this significant amount.

Asia has the most hungry people because it is the most populous continent, with over 4.6 billion people. Despite significant economic growth in many Asian countries, there is still a high prevalence of poverty and food insecurity. Factors such as rapid population growth, unequal distribution of resources, and limited access to education and healthcare contribute to the high number of hungry people in Asia.

The most critical developmental period for a child's nutrition is from conception to age two. During this time, the child's brain and body are rapidly developing, and proper nutrition is crucial for optimal growth and development. The nutrients obtained during this period have a long-lasting impact on the child's overall health and well-being.