Success stories
Making Hidden Hunger SEEN
Once you see the truth about hidden hunger, you can’t unsee it – but you can do something about it.
You can’t unsee it.
Over 5 billion people worldwide1 are suffering from a silent, overlooked crisis – hidden hunger. This major health problem isn’t just about a lack of food – it’s about a deficiency in essential nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals that are critical for health and development. Micronutrient deficiencies often go unnoticed but have devastating health and socio-economic impacts.
Seeing the truth is the first step to ending global hunger by 2030. Understanding the scale and impact of micronutrient deficiencies globally empowers us to mobilize and develop targeted solutions, helping us in our commitment towards SDG 2: zero hunger by 2030. It’s time we unmask the myths preventing progress on malnutrition and make hidden hunger SEEN.
Exposing the hidden truths
Too many myths keep hidden hunger, well, hidden. We're on a mission to make it – and the 5 billion people it impacts – SEEN. By exposing the reality, we can shift the narrative and drive meaningful change. Ready to see the truth?
Malnutrition is the same as hunger
Truth - Malnutrition isn’t just about hunger. It can also refer to hidden hunger, which means a diet lacking essential micronutrients like vitamins and minerals, even when enough food is consumed.
Malnutrition is clearly visible on the body
Truth - Malnutrition, especially hidden hunger, may not always be obviously visible.2
Malnutrition isn’t as urgent as other health conditions
Malnutrition only affects physical health
Malnutrition can be prevented with any kind of food
Truth - Malnutrition prevention demands targeted strategies to ensure those in need can access essential nutrients.
Fighting global malnutrition: A path to healthier futures
5 B
people globally are suffering from micronutrient deficiencies.1
1 in 2
preschool children experience hidden hunger.5
50%
of all deaths among children under 5 are caused by malnutrition.6
$10.5 T
a year could be gained if malnutrition was addressed globally by 2050. 7
34%
reduction in anemia because of food fortification efforts in lower- and middle- income countries.8
Highlighting SEEN
At dsm-firmenich, we believe in the power of purpose-led partnerships to create meaningful change. Through collaborations with organizations like World Food Programme and UNICEF, we provide tangible, scalable solutions to combat micronutrient deficiencies worldwide. Together, we are elevating a healthier, more equitable future for all.
We provide solutions for equitable and essential nutrition (SEEN) working together with partners and making them accessible to all. We provide a comprehensive suite of custom solutions and expert services – working as a purpose-led partner in order to combat malnutrition on a global scale. Through this, we leverage our expertise to deliver high-quality, essential nutrition to those who need it most, accelerating progress towards the SDG Zero Hunger by 2030.
Bangladesh
Through our partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP), we’ve helped support more than 190 millers in Bangladesh to produce fortified rice that provides essential vitamins and minerals to over 14 million people.
Nigeria
In collaboration with UNICEF, Sight and Life, and the government of Nigeria, we scaled up micronutrient powder programs, delivering nutrients to over 3 million children across 10 states.
Across Global South
Our partnership with World Vision brought nutritionally improved foods via staple food fortification and new public health initiatives in countries like Brazil, Rwanda, Kenya, and Ethiopia.
Our products for
Don’t just see hidden hunger. Let’s solve it – together
Learn more about SEEN and how we’re tackling micronutrient deficiencies worldwide.
Frequently asked questions
How does dsm-firmenich ensure that its solutions are effective across different regions?
We understand that nutritional needs vary widely across different populations. That’s why our expert services include the development of customized solutions tailored to the unique challenges of each region, ensuring that our interventions are effective and sustainable.
What makes hidden hunger different from general hunger?
Hidden hunger refers to the lack of essential nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals in people’s diets, even when they consume enough calories. It’s a form of malnutrition that can go unnoticed but can lead to serious health and socio-economic impacts.
How is dsm-firmenich contributing to achieving SDG 2: Zero Hunger by 2030?
At dsm-firmenich, we improve nutrition for those that need it most – especially in vulnerable populations – through fortified foods and micronutrients. We are proud to be working alongside our long-standing partners to achieve this goal.
What types of solutions does SEEN offer to combat hidden hunger?
We offer a range of solutions, including large-scale food fortification, supplements, and custom nutritional programs. These interventions are designed to be scalable and effective, providing essential nutrients to vulnerable populations across the globe.
Why is addressing hidden hunger important for global economic growth?
Malnutrition costs billions annually in lost economic growth and human capital and addressing it could unlock $10.5 trillion in economic gains.7
References
1. Read the latest research on global malnutrition impact from The Lancet Global Health: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/langlo/article/PIIS2214-109X(24)00276-6/fulltext
2. Explore in-depth studies on malnutrition and public health at NCBI: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10960185/
3. WHO statement on malnutrition as a global health crisis: https://www.who.int/news/item/26-09-2019-malnutrition-is-a-world-health-crisis
4. Access the WHO fact sheet for detailed insights on malnutrition: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/malnutrition
5. Review research on malnutrition and its effects on global health outcomes: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/langlo/article/PIIS2214-109X(22)00367-9/fulltext
6. Understand why malnutrition is considered a global health crisis by WHO: https://www.who.int/news/item/26-09-2019-malnutrition-is-a-world-health-crisis
7. Learn more about malnutrition from the Global Nutrition Report: https://globalnutritionreport.org/resources/about-malnutrition/
8. Read research on the health risks associated with malnutrition on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33467050/
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