Global Update and Trends in Hidden Hunger, 1995‐2011

In order to track progress in reducing the persistent burden of micronutrient deficiencies globally, a Hidden Hunger Index (HHI) was developed in 2013. The index is calculated using an unweighted average of prevalence of iron‐deficiency anemia, vitamin A deficiency and stunting (used as a proxy for zinc deficiency). Using newly available data, we updated the HHI in 2014 and assessed progress globally and in 7 regions between 1995‐2011 using population weighted means. Globally, the burden of hidden hunger declined (‐6.7 net change) from 1995‐2011; improvements were observed for all regions except Africa where the HHI increased (+1.9); East Asia and the Pacific performed exceptionally well (‐13.0).