Global Hunger Index: Uzbekistan among countries with lowest hunger levels

The GHI report indicates that Uzbekistan is experiencing minimal food-related problems, with experts acknowledging the country's efforts to combat hunger effectively. The index operates on a scale where lower scores indicate fewer citizens experiencing hunger. The assessment is based on four key indicators: undernourishment, stunting in children, mortality rates among children under five, and the prevalence of wasting.

Countries that scored below five points in the GHI rankings include Uzbekistan, where less than 2.5% of the total population is categorized as undernourished. Additionally, only 6.5% of children exhibit stunting, while 2.4% show signs of wasting. The mortality rate for children under five is reported to be below 3.1%.

Other former Soviet states, including Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Belarus, Georgia, and Russia, also fall into the category of countries without significant hunger issues.

In comparison, the situation in Central Asia varies, with Kazakhstan ranked 25th, Kyrgyzstan 36th, Turkmenistan 50th, and Tajikistan 65th. Most of these countries are classified as having "low" hunger levels, with Tajikistan listed in the "moderate" category.

In stark contrast, Afghanistan ranked 116th out of 127 participants, indicating a severe food crisis. Approximately 30.4% of its population is undernourished, and the index reveals that 44.6% of children under five experience stunting, while 3.6% suffer from wasting. Alarmingly, 5.8% of children do not survive past the age of five.

Countries facing serious hunger issues include India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, North Korea, and Syria. The index's lowest tier comprises nations deemed to be in a "serious" state of hunger, primarily represented by African countries such as Chad, South Sudan, Somalia, and Madagascar, along with Yemen from Asia.