Alleviation of global hunger an urgent agenda for world leaders in 2013

"The fact that an inexpensive and readily treatable condition that affects 868 million people, kills 2.3 million children per year, and was targeted as a Millennium Development Goal, should remain uncontrolled year after year is as shocking as it is shameful," a Lancet editorial writes about global hunger. "Moreover, that hunger still has such a grip on 14 percent of the world's population -- despite enough food being produced to feed everyone -- is an indictment of failed policies at many levels, according to 'Enough Food for Everyone IF,' a report by a collaboration of more than 100 charities and religious groups, launched on Jan 23," the editorial states.

"The report, directed at Prime Minister David Cameron and the U.K. Government as they prepare to host the G8 Summit in June, provides a list of 'ifs' that, if addressed, would decrease hunger," the editorial continues. "But how the wish list of 'ifs' can be translated into actions that the G8 might adopt, when so few countries have met the target of giving 0.7 percent of GDP to aid, is unclear and uncertain," the editorial notes, adding, "What is needed from the U.K. Government is a vision for the G8 that makes universal access to food an obligation by replacing 'ifs' with will. There is simply no more urgent agenda for world leaders in 2013 than the alleviation of hunger. Enough is enough" (2/2).