Action Against Hunger

Action Against Hunger. It is an international non-governmental organization dedicated to ending world hunger. Founded in 1979 by a group of French intellectuals, including Nobel laureate Alfred Kastler, it provides lifesaving assistance and works to address the root causes of malnutrition across nearly 50 countries. The organization operates in sectors including food security, water, sanitation and hygiene, and healthcare, responding to crises caused by conflict, climate change, and natural disasters.

History

The organization was established in 1979 in Paris in response to the humanitarian crisis affecting Afghan refugees during the Soviet–Afghan War. Its founding group, which included figures like Bernard-Henri Lévy and Françoise Giroud, aimed to create a new, independent form of humanitarian aid. Significant early missions included operations during the 1984–1985 famine in Ethiopia and providing aid in Lebanon amidst the Lebanese Civil War. Throughout the 1990s, it expanded its work in conflict zones like Bosnia and Herzegovina and Rwanda, while also developing its technical expertise in treating acute malnutrition. The 2000s saw further growth with responses to major disasters including the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami and the 2010 Haiti earthquake.

Mission and activities

Its core mission is to eliminate hunger through the prevention, detection, and treatment of undernutrition, particularly during and after emergencies. Key programmatic activities include running Community-based Management of Acute Malnutrition programs, implementing water, sanitation and hygiene projects to prevent waterborne diseases, and supporting food security and livelihoods through activities like cash transfers and agricultural training. The organization also engages in advocacy to influence policies on international development and humanitarian response, often working in partnership with bodies like the United Nations and the European Union.

Organizational structure

The organization operates as a network of independent entities, with headquarters in Paris, London, Madrid, New York City, and Toronto. Each headquarters, such as Action Against Hunger USA based in New York City, manages operations and fundraising within its region while adhering to a common charter. Governance is typically provided by a board of directors, with day-to-day operations led by an executive director, such as Jean-Michel Grand in the United Kingdom. Field operations are coordinated through country offices, which deploy both international and local staff to implement programs directly.

Funding and partnerships

Financial support comes from a diverse mix of public institutional donors, private foundations, and individual contributions. Major public donors include the United States Agency for International Development, the European Commission's Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations, and the United Kingdom's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. The organization also partners with other non-governmental organizations, United Nations agencies like the World Food Programme and UNICEF, and corporate partners. Fundraising activities are conducted globally through events and campaigns.

Impact and recognition

The organization reports reaching millions of people annually with direct assistance, citing hundreds of thousands of children treated for severe acute malnutrition. Its research and innovations in therapeutic food and treatment protocols have influenced global humanitarian aid standards. It has received recognition from various institutions and has been highlighted in reports by entities like the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development for its effectiveness. Transparency and accountability are maintained through ratings from watchdog groups such as GuideStar and the Charity Navigator.

Category:Humanitarian aid organizations Category:Organizations established in 1979 Category:Anti-poverty organizations Category:International non-governmental organizations