Waste less, produce more to eradicate hunger

Looking out at the modern, gleaming skyscrapers in many of Asia-Pacific's mega-cities, one could easily forget that this economic transformation masks an unmistakable reality.

While Asia-Pacific continues to record a higher economic growth rate than any other region in recent history, it remains home to nearly thirds of the world's absolute number of undernourished. In other words, more people go to bed hungry each night in this region than in all the other regions of the world combined.

Micronutrient deficiency is another major challenge for the Asia-Pacific region. While many people might not 'go hungry', many are not getting enough micronutrients, the vitamins and minerals their bodies need to keep them healthy. If micronutrient deficiencies occur during childhood it can affect a child's physical and mental growth. Stunted children can be found in many countries across the region where, in the worst cases, some30-50 percent of children are affected. This hidden hunger affects two billion people worldwide.