A Region’s Eyes Turn to Healthy Nutrition

José Graziano da Silva is Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).By José Graziano da SilvaROME, May 5 2016 (IPS)After its remarkable success in reducing hunger, Europe must now rise to the challenge of making sure food assures more than survival and furnishes healthy lives. head of a global hunger-fighting organization, nothing gives me more satisfaction than to see a vast region of the world achieving food security for its people. José Graziano da Silva. Credit: FAOWith 53 member countries and one member organization, Europe and Central Asia is FAO’s largest region, stretching across 13 time zones from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Our data show that in almost every country, this region has succeeded in driving down food insecurity to below 5 percent of the population. The absolute number of hungry in the region has fallen by at least 40 percent since 1990.Unfortunately, the story does not end here.Malnutrition – as distinct from undernourishment (caloric insufficiency) – is a concern that cuts across the entire region. It takes many forms: micronutrient deficiencies, stunting, wasting, overweight and obesity. In fact, most countries in the region have alarming rates of obesity – more than 20 percent in adults. Malnutrition has health, social and economic costs that no society can afford to bear.Why is this happening? Because just as countries emerge from the age-old problem of hunger, people’s diets and lifestyles a...
Source: IPS Inter Press Service - Health - Category: Global & Universal Authors: Tags: Development & Aid Economy & Trade Europe Featured Food & Agriculture Global Global Governance Headlines Health Population Poverty & SDGs Regional Categories FAO Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Source Type: news