Washington DC November 7, 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 presidency of the G20 to fight hunger and poverty around the world.
The Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty aims to promote collective action to ensure that countries have the resources and knowledge necessary to develop public policies that have been proven effective in reducing hunger and poverty around the world.
Welcoming the initiative, Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, Director of PAHO, stressed that “ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages is intrinsically linked to the commitment to ending poverty, hunger, and malnutrition.”
Dr. Barbosa highlighted that, in the Americas, out-of-pocket payments continue to represent a crucial barrier to access to health services and “driving households into poverty.”
As a member of the Alliance, PAHO will support other members in developing policies related to primary health care, disease elimination, and ensuring equitable access to services to address non-communicable diseases, among other health issues. .
The Organization will also work together with other members of the Alliance to provide technical assistance, capacity development, training and knowledge exchange to strengthen the connections between achieving SDG 3 and the fight against poverty, hunger, food insecurity and promotion of socioeconomic inclusion.
“Eliminating hunger and poverty is essential to guarantee a healthy life for all. Equitable access to health is crucial to accelerate the fight against hunger and poverty,” added Dr. Barbosa.
The Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty
According to a report by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the number of hungry people 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 focal point 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.
