Hunger Report Shows US$1 Billion Toll Of Malnutrition In DRC Each Year

A study published on Friday into the economic toll of malnutrition in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) reveals costs of around US$1 billion each year.

That's equivalent to as much as 4.5 per cent of the country's Gross Domestic Product, according to the World Food Programs Cost of Hunger in Africa study.

The WFP data shows that losses occur each year due to increased healthcare costs, reduced workforce productivity, and additional burdens on the education system.

The Cost of Hunger study has been conducted in 11 countries so far, with an estimated loss due to inadequate nutrition ranging from 1.9 to 16.5 per cent of GDP.

Meanwhile, an emergency appeal launched in April for the political and humanitarian crisis in the Kasai region, is only 11 per cent funded.

UN Radio/GBC