Making hidden hunger SEEN

Summary

• More than 5 billion people worldwide face “hidden hunger” due to micronutrient deficiencies. This overlooked crisis causes severe health and economic problems. Recognizing it as a global issue is the first step toward urgent action.
• The right nutritional care can address hidden hunger, providing essential vitamins and minerals to those suffering from micronutrient deficiencies, particularly in vulnerable populations.
• To make a meaningful impact, there is a pressing need for scalable, cost-effective solutions for the millions affected by hidden hunger. This blog reveals how SEEN raises awareness and delivers tailored solutions through fortified foods and expert services.

Hidden Hunger: An invisible global crisis

A recent study has shown that hidden hunger, or micronutrient deficiency, affects over 5 billion people worldwide, impacting more than half of the global population and making it one of the most critical public health issues of our time (The Lancet Global Health, 2024). This invisible crisis goes beyond food scarcity and is defined as a diet lacking essential micronutrients (vitamins and minerals), even when enough food is consumed.

The scale of this crisis can’t be underestimated. According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2019), malnutrition – including micronutrient deficiencies – is the single largest contributor to disease globally, leading to stunted growth, poor cognitive development, and a higher risk of mortality (WHO, 2019). Children and women of reproductive age are disproportionately affected, with 1 in 2 preschool-aged children and 2 of 3 women globally suffering from at least one micronutrient deficiency (GAIN, 2024). Additionally, Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia, affecting an estimated 60.2% of children in the African region and 29.9% of reproductive age women globally (WHO, 2019).

Beyond the immediate health impacts, micronutrient deficiencies have profound economic consequences. Tackling malnutrition could yield a $10.5 trillion increase in global economic output by 2050, demonstrating its far-reaching socio-economic costs of inaction (Global Nutrition Report, 2023). Without intervention, these deficiencies perpetuate cycles of poverty and limit both educational attainment and workforce productivity, placing a long-term strain on healthcare systems.

Hidden Causes of Micronutrient Deficiency

Despite global efforts to combat malnutrition, progress has remained uneven. In many regions, socioeconomic and environmental factors exacerbate nutritional disparities, underscoring the urgent need for scalable, comprehensive solutions. One of the major causes is the prevalence of nutrient-poor diets, often exacerbated by poverty and limited access to diverse foods. Additionally, climate change and conflict also exacerbate hidden hunger by limiting access to nutrient-dense foods. Climate change affects crop yields and the nutritional quality of produce, while conflicts can disrupt food supply chains and heighten food insecurity.

Making Hidden Hunger SEEN

dsm-firmenich is working to make hidden hunger SEEN by working in partnership to provide fortified foods, tailored supplements, and expert services around the globe, as well as exposing the myths around hidden hunger and issuing a call to action to mobilize individuals, organizations, and governments.

Solving it Together

Addressing hidden hunger on a global scale requires collaborative action. SEEN’s approach is built on the belief that effective solutions depend on partnerships that combine local knowledge with global expertise. By working with organizations like WFP, UNICEF, and World Vision, we deliver culturally adapted nutrition solutions that range from fortified foods to micronutrient powders, and multiple micronutrient supplementation (MMS) tablets designed to meet the unique needs of each region. This partnership-driven model enhances local capacities, providing a foundation for sustainable public health improvements.

Policy changes are also essential for long-term progress. Governments play a crucial role in promoting affordable nutritious foods and supporting sustainable agricultural practices (WHO, 2019). Coordinated efforts from governments, NGOs, and the private sector are vital to combat this global health challenge effectively. By fostering these partnerships, dsm-firmenich aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger), working to eliminate hidden hunger by 2030 and supporting sustainable development in underserved communities.

To support SEEN’s mission and learn more about efforts to end micronutrient deficiencies, visit our website to discover ways to elevate health together.