"Alarming Rise in Global Poverty: 1.1 Billion People Trapped in Acute Poverty, UN Report Reveals"
A staggering 1.1 billion people worldwide are grappling with acute poverty, according to the latest report from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). This dire situation is exacerbated by the fact that children account for over half of those affected, with 584 million people under 18 experiencing extreme poverty - a staggering 27.9% of children globally.
The report, published in collaboration with the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI), highlights the devastating impact of conflict on poverty rates. Countries ravaged by war have poverty rates three times higher than those at peace, with 2023 witnessing the most conflicts since World War II.
India has the largest number of people living in extreme poverty, with 234 million people affected out of its 1.4 billion population. This is followed by Pakistan, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which together account for nearly half of the 1.1 billion poor people.
The UNDP and OPHI's Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) has been tracking poverty trends since 2010, covering 112 countries with a combined population of 6.3 billion. The report emphasizes the need for a multifaceted approach to address poverty, incorporating indicators such as adequate housing, sanitation, electricity, cooking fuel, nutrition, and school attendance.
According to Yanchun Zhang, chief statistician at the UNDP, "The 2024 MPI paints a sobering picture: 1.1 billion people endure multidimensional poverty, of which 455 million live in the shadow of conflict." Zhang added, "For the poor in conflict-affected countries, the struggle for basic needs is a far harsher and more desperate battle."
The report also reveals alarming regional disparities, with 83.2% of the world's poorest people residing in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Furthermore, children are disproportionately affected, with 27.9% experiencing extreme poverty, compared to 13.5% of adults.
Sabina Alkire, director of the OPHI, stresses that conflicts hinder poverty reduction efforts, urging the international community to prioritize both peace and poverty alleviation. "At some level, these findings are intuitive. But what shocked us was the sheer magnitude of people who are struggling to live a decent life and at the same time fearing for their safety – 455 million," Alkire said.
"This points to a stark but unavoidable challenge to the international community to both zero in on poverty reduction and foster peace, so that any ensuing peace actually endures," Alkire added.
As the world grapples with this pressing issue, it's clear that a collective effort is necessary to break the cycle of poverty and ensure a dignified life for all. The UN report serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for global cooperation and targeted interventions to address the root causes of poverty.
In response to the report, experts and policymakers are calling for increased investment in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, as well as initiatives to promote peace and stability in conflict-affected regions. Only through sustained efforts can we hope to alleviate the suffering of the 1.1 billion people trapped in acute poverty.