World Hunger Research Paper

There are over eight hundred forty-two million people suffering from hunger and malnutrition in the world; ninety-eight percent of these people are in developing countries. Asia and Africa are major developing countries that suffer from hunger. Also, women and children make up the bulk of the famine-effected population. Women can be the direct solution. Eliminating the amount of hungry women can eliminate the amount of hungry children, (World Food Programme). The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the World Food Programme (WFP), and Stop Hunger Now are non-profit organizations that help save lives by combating hunger and promoting food security. World hunger has been a major social issue for years; however, with the help of many organizations,

world hunger can be conquered.
The term “world hunger” refers to the want and/or need of food aggregated on a world level. World hunger and malnutrition are directly connected. Malnutrition is the common term used to describe the lack of essential minerals that are necessary for proper human health (World Hunger Education Service). Experts have concluded that there are many causes of world hunger. Poverty is the leading cause. Many families in developing countries cannot afford and provide nutritious meals due to low income (WFP). The World Hunger Education Service states, “there were an estimated 1,345 million poor people in developing countries who live on $1.25 a day or less.” The “poverty trap” is a chronic issue which can negatively affect future generations and food security. In developing countries, poverty affects small farms – the main agricultural producer for the hungry (World Hunger Education Services). Small farmers often cannot afford seeds, tools, fertilizers, transportation costs, and storage facilities . Also, climate change and natural disasters wipeout small farms which causes hunger. Developing countries suffer from floods, droughts, and tropical storms. Food shortages in the world are commonly caused by droughts (WFP). According to the World Food Programme, “In 2011, recurrent drought caused crop failures and heavy livestock losses in parts of Ethiopia, Somalia, and Kenya. In 2012, there was a similar situation in the Sahel region of West Africa.” Hunger affects many people in many places. Asia and the Pacific region suffer more than any other country. Approximately, there are 553 million people troubled with hunger and malnutrition in Asia. Africa falls behind Asia with 227 million starving individuals. Also, 16 million people ache from hunger in developed countries, including America (WFP).
The ascending hunger population is no match for the organizations operating to fight world hunger.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is a major non-profit organization who has helped saved more children's lives than any other humanitarian agency. UNICEF offers a variety of services including providing immunizations, emergency relief, HIV/AIDS prevention, and supplying clean water and nutritious meals to underprivileged children. Also, UNICEF understands that children's growth and health is valuable. Nearly half of all childhood deaths are linked to malnutrition. Undernourishment negatively affects a child's brain development and immune system causing them to be more susceptible to ordinary infections (UNICEF). Malnourished children suffer from approximately one hundred and sixty days of sickness each year (World Hunger Education Service). UNICEF has created a series of therapeutic foods designed to improve the health of malnourished children. These foods were constructed to provide a “quick fix” to starvation. Therapeutic foods are packed with vitamins and easy to digest. UNICEF offers three types of therapeutic foods – peanut paste, micronutrient powder, and therapeutic milk. Peanut paste, known as the “miracle food”, is easy-to-ship and ready-to-eat. Also, the peanut paste does not need to be refrigerated making it effortless to store. UNICEF’s micronutrient powder contains a mixture of minerals and vitamins that improve children's immune system and increase their strength to fight diseases. When needed, the powder is sprinkled over a meal to enhance a child’s vitamin intake. These small packets help prevent blindness, brain damage, and anaemia. UNICEF’s therapeutic milk is no ordinary type of

milk.