Record hungry people in 2009

Cuba: The recent historical announcement of over one billion hungry people in the world is in contradiction with the optimistic reports being published on signs of recovery.

The United Nations Fund for Food and Agriculture said hunger would reach an impressive amount of people in 2009, equivalent to one sixth of the world population.

International economists, directors of central banks and large businesspeople are working to promote signs of recovery.

The economic global crisis has great social consequences, considered threats to world peace.

The FAO reported that the number of hungry people increased from 825 million people in 1997, to 857 million in 2002 to 873 million in 2006.

In 2008, the number reached 915 million and for this year, it will reach more than 100 million. FAO Director Jacques Diouf urged an increase of investment in agriculture and the production of cereals, which has been increased compared to the 2008 production.

In Sub-Saharan Africa, there are 265 million malnourished people, 53 million in Latin America and the Caribbean and 42 million in Africa and the Middle East.

Havana, Jun 20, Prensa Latina