As the world deals with a coronavirus pandemic, the United Nations food agency has warned that the world is on the brink of a ‘hunger pandemic’ that could lead to famines of biblical proportions within a few months if immediate action is not taken.
After a heavy toll on human lives and health, faltering economies and shuffling the global order, the coronavirus situation is now creating a food crisis. According to the World Food Programme, the COVID-19 pandemic could double the number of people suffering from acute hunger, pushing to more than a quarter of a billion people by the end of this year.
The figures released are shocking. The UN food agency projects the number of people facing food security would reach 265 million, marking a staggering increase from 135 million last year. More than 100 million people who are directly dependent on food aid are most at risk due to the economic impact of the pandemic.
Even before the pandemic, WFP Chief David Beasley had raised the prospect of a food crisis in many countries suffering from wars, conflicts and economic crises. Now the situation is getting much worse, raising alarm of a ‘hunger pandemic’ as there is a real danger that the more people could die from hunger then than the virus itself.
The situation is catastrophic for millions who were already hanging by a thread and comes as a blow to daily wagers who eat only when they earn or go to bed hungry. The lockdowns and economic recession has pushed them to the edge. These concerns were also raised by Prime Minister Imran Khan as he opposed imposing a complete lockdown.
Even before the pandemic, the situation was alarming and as the virus has spread to nearly every country of the world, the situation is more worrisome as health facilities are overwhelmed and even robust economies are faltering. It is certainly hard to fathom a population exceeding the whole of Pakistan cannot obtain food and are at risk.
While all efforts and resources are being pushed toward the coronavirus crisis to support health systems, provide medical supplies or help cushion economies, it is imperative to divert attention towards the hunger pandemic as it could become an even greater global catastrophe.
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