For the First Time Since 2010, Over 1.2 Billion People Face Severe Multidimensional Poverty Worldwide

Global Surge in Severe Multidimensional Poverty

According to Рубрика — Суспільство: More than 1.2 billion individuals currently endure severe multidimensional poverty, marking an increase of 51.5 million compared to previous estimates. This represents the first rise since the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) began tracking global poverty in 2010. Children account for over half of this population-617 million-of whom 83% live in rural areas. Updated MPI data from 13 countries reveal that population growth is the primary driver behind this increase.

Significant Poverty Reductions in Select Nations

Conversely, the share of people living in poverty has halved in 33 countries. Notable examples include six African nations, alongside China and Vietnam, all achieving a 50% reduction in poverty rates. Eswatini stands out, with its poverty rate dropping dramatically from 38.7% to 8% over the past 15 years. Egypt, Nepal, and Tajikistan have also reported meaningful declines in multidimensional poverty.

The highest concentrations of those in severe multidimensional poverty remain in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia-the world’s most densely populated region. Nigeria experienced poverty reductions throughout the 2010s, but this trend reversed in the 2020s with poverty levels rising again. In Angola and Zambia, although the poverty rate fell, overall numbers of impoverished individuals increased due to population growth.

The MPI assesses poverty by evaluating income and living conditions, considering access to:

• shelter
• sanitation
• electricity
• cooking fuel
• food security
• education

These figures are a 'wake-up call for the entire world.'

Alexander De Croo, Prime Minister of Belgium

He emphasized that behind these statistics are 1.2 billion people grappling with overlapping hardships: hunger, lack of schooling, and no access to clean water or electricity. He called this situation unacceptable.

Meanwhile, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) warns that the winter outlook in Ukraine is worsening due to infrastructure damage from Russian attacks, exacerbating poverty challenges for many in the country.

These updated findings highlight the escalating crisis of multidimensional poverty globally, especially among vulnerable groups like children. The increase in poverty levels sends a strong signal to the international community about the urgent need for effective strategies to improve living standards and secure essential resources. At the same time, the countries that have successfully reduced poverty demonstrate that with targeted policies and economic growth, significant progress is achievable.