forbes.com
Famine Declared in Gaza: IPC System and Response
Famine, the most severe phase of food insecurity, is declared when at least 20 percent of households face extreme food shortages, at least 30 percent of children under five suffer from acute malnutrition, and at least two per 10,000 people die daily from starvation or malnutrition-related diseases; the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) system guides these declarations, with the recent declaration in Gaza marking the first in the Middle East.
- What specific conditions must be met for famine to be officially declared, and what immediate actions follow such a declaration?
- Famine, the most severe form of acute food insecurity, is declared when at least 20 percent of households face extreme food shortages, at least 30 percent of children under five suffer from acute malnutrition, and at least two per 10,000 people die daily from starvation or malnutrition-related diseases. This declaration, based on the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) system, triggers immediate international humanitarian response.
- What are the primary long-term strategies for preventing future famines, considering the evolving drivers of food insecurity and the limitations of current response mechanisms?
- Future famine prevention relies on strengthening early warning systems and investing in nutrition, health, and social protection programs. Addressing conflict, a major driver of modern famines, is crucial for enabling humanitarian aid and restoring economic activities. The integrated, multi-sectoral approach employed by organizations like UNICEF is essential for effective and timely famine response.
- How does the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) system function in identifying and classifying famine, and who are the key actors involved in the declaration process?
- The IPC system, a global standard, uses data from various partners to classify food insecurity levels. Governments or international agencies formally declare famine based on IPC reports, indicating a convergence of food, nutrition, and health crises. The recent famine declaration in Gaza, the first in the Middle East, highlights the impact of prolonged conflict and restricted humanitarian access.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing is generally neutral, presenting the information objectively. However, the emphasis on the IPC process and UNICEF's response might unintentionally downplay the roles of governments and other actors in preventing and addressing famine. The headline "Your questions answered" might suggest a comprehensive overview which isn't entirely the case given the omissions noted above.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the IPC process and UNICEF's response, but provides limited detail on the political and economic factors that contribute to famine. While conflict is mentioned, a deeper exploration of the underlying causes of conflict and their link to food insecurity would provide a more complete picture. The article also omits discussion of long-term solutions and sustainable development strategies to prevent future famines.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article describes the declaration of famine in Gaza, highlighting the severity of food insecurity and resulting malnutrition and starvation. This directly relates to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) which aims to end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture. The article details the criteria for famine declaration (20% of households with extreme food shortage, 30% of children under 5 acutely malnourished, and at least 2 deaths per 10,000 people daily due to starvation or malnutrition-related causes), illustrating the tragic failure to meet SDG 2 targets. The famine in Gaza, and other locations mentioned, exemplifies the devastating consequences of conflict, extreme weather, and economic shocks on food security.