FAST DOWNLOAD
Every October 16 , the world commemorates International Food Day, a date designated by the United Nations (UN) to raise awareness about the challenges in the fight against hunger, malnutrition and poverty.
The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) stresses that we must not only produce more food, but also ensure that it is nutritious and accessible to all.
Globally, nearly 2.8 billion people do not have access to a healthy diet, leading to various forms of malnutrition, including undernutrition, micronutrient deficiency and obesity.
In Honduras, the situation is critical: according to the World Food Programme (WFP) , more than one million people suffer from severe food insecurity , especially in rural areas and the Dry Corridor .
Commitment
Mario Lubetkin, FAO Deputy Director, stressed that “the right to food is not just an aspiration, but a commitment.”
He also called for promoting healthy and accessible diets as part of the strategy to combat hunger.
The region faces a serious challenge in ensuring access to nutritious food amid prolonged droughts and extreme poverty that affects 73% of its rural population.
The figures in Honduras
Chronic Child Malnutrition : Around 23% of children under five years of age suffer from chronic malnutrition, according to FAO reports.
This affects their physical and cognitive growth and development, with long-term consequences for their health and well-being.
Dry Corridor : The Dry Corridor region , which covers much of the south and west of the country, is one of the most affected by the lack of rain and prolonged droughts.
Families who depend on subsistence farming have seen their crops ruined, exacerbating poverty and hunger in these communities.
Poverty and Food : Extreme poverty affects nearly 50% of the Honduran population .
In rural areas, this figure rises to 73% , limiting families’ access to nutritious and affordable food.
This World Food Day, FAO and other organizations urge governments and citizens to unite in the fight against hunger.
Promoting sustainable development policies and supporting local and global initiatives are fundamental steps to ensure that everyone has access to healthy and sufficient food.
