Poverty

Poverty Drives Hunger

Around the world, 648 million people live in extreme poverty. They survive on less than $2.15 a day, an amount which is impossible to support a healthy livelihood in any part of the world.

Without sufficient and sustainable incomes, families cannot afford access to nutritious food, clean water, or health care. As a result, one in three children in low- and middle-income countries suffers from chronic undernutrition. Without treatment, hunger can lead to stunted growth, limited mental and emotional development, and even death.

No child should die from hunger. Action Against Hunger helps more than 26 million people every year gain access to sustainable sources of income, clean water, nutritious food, and health care – but there is still so much to be done to end poverty and hunger for everyone, for good.

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Key Facts About Global Poverty & Hunger

A health worker checks the nutrition status of a young boy as his mother holds him.

Half of the World's Poorest People Live in Five Countries: Bangladesh, DRC, Ethiopia, India, and Nigeria

An hygiene awareness session held at a local market.

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Average Proportion of Income Spent on Food in Poor Countries vs. 25% in Rich Countries

Balram goes door to door in his community, checking up on the health and nutrition of children and families.

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Children Living in Extreme Poverty Around the World

The Rising Cost of a Healthy Diet

More than 3 billion people in the world are unable to afford the average cost of an inexpensive healthy diet. In both wealthy and poor countries, insufficient incomes to meet rising cost of nutritious foods can have serious impacts. Consumption of low quality foods can lead to malnutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and other health problems.

Learn more world hunger facts