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5m die of hunger in Africa annually, reveals NEPAD

5m die of hunger in Africa annually, reveals NEPAD
Written by Florence Bupe
Wednesday, November 12, 2008 8:50:03 AM

ABOUT five million people die of hunger in Africa annually, New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) has revealed. NEPAD food and nutrition security advisor Boyitshepo Giyose said the world was still not on track to reducing poverty levels, as food insecurity was still high, especially in developing countries. Giyose observed that malnutrition was a major impediment to development.

“Part of the reason Africa is stunted economically is malnutrition. Malnutrition causes 60 per cent of child mortality in sub-Saharan Africa,” she said.

Giyose said many countries were not committed to stabilising their countries’ food security status, thereby failing to improve risk management capacities to prevent hunger-related deaths.

She further revealed that approximately 200 million Africans were chronically malnourished, with 126 million children being underweight.

Giyose called on African countries to enhance their commitment to combating food insecurity by implementing policies that would support increased production.

She also emphasised the importance of nutrition in reversing the effects of HIV and AIDS.

“Malnutrition, food insecurity and hunger are among the major risk factors for HIV infection. Malnutrition hastens the onset of AIDS among HIV-positive people, and compromises the safety and efficacy of ART (anti- retroviral treatment),” said Giyose.

Labels: NEPAD

posted by MrK @ 8:51 AM