Washington D.C. 7 November 2024 (PAHO/WHO) – The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has joined the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, an initiative proposed by the Government of Brazil during its G20 Presidency to combat hunger and poverty worldwide.
The Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty aims to promote collective actions towards ensuring that countries have the resources and knowledge needed for the development of public policies that are proven to be effective in reducing hunger and poverty around the world.
Welcoming the initiative, Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, PAHO Director, underscored that “ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all across all ages are intrinsically linked to the commitment to end poverty, hunger and malnutrition.”
Dr. Barbosa highlighted that, in the Americas, out-of-pocket payments continue to represent a crucial barrier in accessing health services and “drive households into poverty.”
As an Alliance member, PAHO will support other members in developing policy related to primary health care, disease elimination, and ensuring equitable access to services to tackle noncommunicable diseases, among other health issues.
The Organization will also work alongside other Alliance members to provide technical assistance, capacity building, training and knowledge-sharing to strengthen the connections between achieving SDG 3 and addressing poverty, hunger, food insecurity, and promoting socioeconomic inclusion.
“Eliminating hunger and poverty is essential to ensuring healthy lives for all. Equitable access to health is crucial for accelerating the fight against hunger and poverty,” Dr. Barbosa added.
The Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty
According to a report from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the number of people suffering from hunger in the world increased by 122 million in 2022 compared to 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty, hosted by FAO, will serve as a coordinating center for global efforts to increase donor investments in poverty reduction. It will also support the development of innovative national public policies to reduce hunger based on best practices.
Participation in the Alliance is open to all countries.
