The multiplier effects of hunger and malnutrition eat up eight per cent Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country every year, they noted.

Eradication of hunger and malnutrition calles for development actors' focus on access of the poor to food along with its productivity and availability, they observed.

They also underscored the need for strong political commitment that can ensure equitable resource allocation within states.

The seminar titled 'Child Hunger and Malnutrition: Role of the Media' jointly organised by Food Security Journalists Network (FSJN) and World Food Programme (WFP) was held at IDB Bhaban conference room in the city yesterday.

Speaking at the programme, Deputy Country Director of World Food Programme (WFP) Edward Kallon said hunger and malnutrition have direct bearing on achieving targets of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Emphasising the need for political commitment to eradicate hunger and malnutrition, he said, as the pattern of resource allocation depends on the national government, in-depth analysis of political economy of hunger is necessary.

Senior Adviser of WFP Usha Mishra Joshi discussed how hunger and malnutrition are directly related to productivity and overall development of a country.

As the media sets public agenda and brings issues to public as objectively as possible, it should also shoulder responsibility of sensitising people to the issues like poverty, hunger and malnutrition, she added.

Hunger and malnutrition reproduce themselves perpetually through a cycle, said Country Director of Helen Keller International Bangladesh Chantell Witten.

Breaking the cycle requires long term, needs-driven and effective interventions, she noted.

Although the media has its own political economy, over the last ten to fifteen years the media has been playing positive role in promoting food security for the poor, said Editor of The New Age Nurul Kabir.

Convener of FSJN Reaz Ahmed stressed long term partnership between different development agencies and media professionals so that people be informed of the success stories as well as limitations of different development initiatives and can take appropriate steps.