The recent report by an international charity that malnutrition is the root cause of the deaths of 2.6 million children each year is alarming. And unless immediate action is taken, half a billion more will fail to develop properly because of inadequate diet over the next 15 years.
The report throws light on the stunted growth, not just of children, but also of developing countries, where some sections of the population benefit from a growing economy while others struggle to eke out a living. The burgeoning population and runaway food prices have made matters worse in many countries.
Experts have blamed government apathy for the crisis. But this can be reversed if public awareness is raised and there is a political will. Campaigns to aid malnutrition victims must be launched and high- profile events can be used to highlight the issue.
But at the ground level, the common man can do his bit by reducing waste and teaching those who have about those who do not have. Children must be taught early in life about the less privileged who suffer and do not have anything to eat, for no fault of theirs. In this sense, it is the duty of all to ensure that hunger and malnutrition are rooted out.
