The world is on a deadline. The clock is ticking, and achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) is a global priority for governments. There is no doubt that the fight against the spread of HIV/AIDS, global warming, and disarmament has received more coverage recently. But one issue that affects all, yet still goes under the radar, is hunger. That is why I will be focusing on MDG 1: eradicate extreme poverty and hunger.
Over a billion people currently suffer from malnutrition and under-nutrition, and even though there are bilateral and multilateral programmes and initiatives and official development assistance, hunger is still not a mainstream issue. Those that are not directly affected by it don't realize that in sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia -- two regions in the world with the most extreme cases of hunger and with some of the largest populations -- people are living on less than a dollar a day. Even most people in developing countries in Latin America don't know what it's like to live under such awful conditions.
Progress has been made by numerous joint plans of the United Nations and governments, but it is not enough. By 2015, over 500 million people should no longer be suffering from malnutrition. It is easier said than done, and it sounds pretty on paper, but what the world needs right now is action -- and a conscience. As a first step, current humanitarian aid should continue and be reinforced as a short-term solution. For those in dire need, the use of ready-to-use therapeutic foods is paramount. These foods cannot be underestimated as they have the capacity to feed large numbers of people, most importantly, children in such emergencies as the earthquake in Haiti or the floods in Pakistan. However, a transition period comes next, where the short-term plans meet medium- to long-term plans. This is where it becomes complicated. Our final goal is to guarantee food security for everyone.
Agricultural productivity, access to technology, microfinance loans, debt relief, and capital management courses can help with sustainable development, job creation, and to wean countries from continuous dependence on aid. Food for Education programmes, an initiative in some African countries by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations Development Programme, should be expanded to cover more regions since having an educated and healthy population is key to development. Many people are not aware that what one eats during infancy has consequences in the future, and that a society that faces physical and cognitive challenges in its population has fewer opportunities for succeeding in a world where the underprivileged have to do more to prove themselves.
All said and done, commitment is the key for achieving any Millennium Development Goal. We are more than halfway through the target date, and there is still much to do. More people should be motivated and inspired at a young age. Children and teens should understand that they really can make a difference, no matter how small, and realize and feel the gratification of doing something for others.
Apathy is extremely dangerous when we are just four years away from the deadline, but with the right amount of enthusiasm and the will to make a difference, I am sure that MDG 1 is achievable.
Notes
WFP, 10 September 2010, Latest News in the Pakistan Crisis .
UNDP, 20 September 2010, Millennium Development Goals. Goal number 1: Eradicate Extreme Poverty and Hunger.
S. Adelman, D. Gilligan, K. Lehrer, 2008 "How Effective are Food for Education Programs?" The International Food Policy Research Institute.
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