First International Conference on Hidden Hunger, Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany March 6 – 9, 2013

Abstract

Hidden Hunger is a worldwide phenomenon affecting one third of the world’s population. The major reason for its occurrence is poverty and poor education. Hidden hunger is related to poor diet quality and low diet diversity. The majority affected are women and young children. As a consequence their physical and cognitive development is impaired and influences their future. Price volatility, biofuel and misleading trade policy are the major drivers of hidden hunger. To detect and treat hidden hunger, different disciplines need to communicate. Various organizations have addressed the problem of hunger at worldwide conferences but, up to now, hidden hunger has received scant recognition. An international conference on hidden hunger brought scientists from different disciplines together at Hohenheim for a four-day meeting. The delegates at the conference recommended the creation of a platform to share knowledge and to create a database, which would allow scientists and field workers all over the world to communicate and to distribute ideas on how to assess or treat hidden hunger successfully. The Hidden Hunger Conference was established to bring scientists, field workers, organizations and the private sector together to discuss the magnitude of the problem of worldwide hidden hunger and the steps needed to be taken to combat it. This was done under the headings of 6 topics with 125 presentations, 80 posters, including 25 key notes and 3 panel discussions. Aspects presented and discussed covered assessment, medical impact, reasons, solutions and future perspectives of hidden hunger in developing and developed countries. The conference was attended by 350 participants from all over the world, including 100 from Africa and Asia.