Global poverty index rises for first time since its 2010 creation

By the Editorial Team · Monday, October 12, 2026

The United Nations Development Programme reported that global acute poverty has risen to 1.2 billion people, an increase of 51.5 million mainly due to population growth and updated data from select countries. This marks the first rise in the multidimensional poverty index since 2010, highlighting ongoing challenges such as hunger and limited access to basic services, especially among children, while progress continues in some regions like sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Asia.

The global poverty index has increased for the first time since its inception in 2010, according to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The latest report, published Monday, estimates that 1.2 billion people worldwide are now living in conditions classified as “acute” poverty, marking a rise of 51.5 million individuals from the previous year.

The UNDP and the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative compiled the findings for the 2026 edition of their annual report. The increase is attributed in part to population growth and updated data available for only 13 of the 108 developing countries covered by the index, rather than a uniform worsening of conditions across all regions.

UNDP Administrator Alexander De Croo described the report’s findings as a "wake-up call" for the global community, emphasizing that the affected populations face compounded challenges including hunger, inadequate schooling, and limited access to clean water and electricity. More than half of those in acute poverty are children, the report noted.

Despite the overall rise in numbers, the report presents a varied landscape. Thirty-three countries have reduced the proportion of their populations living in multidimensional poverty by half or more over the past 15 years. Progress has been particularly notable in six sub-Saharan African countries, as well as in parts of Asia including China and Vietnam.

The highest concentrations of poverty remain in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, particularly within the Indian subcontinent, which is the most densely populated region globally. Some countries have seen both the poverty rate and the absolute number of people impoverished decline significantly. Egypt, Nepal, and Tajikistan are highlighted examples where measurable progress has been made.

In contrast, Angola and Zambia experienced a drop in poverty rates, but growing populations have offset this improvement, leading to an overall increase in the number of people living in poverty within those nations.

The multidimensional poverty index applied in the report evaluates deprivation across several indicators, including inadequate housing, poor sanitation, lack of electricity and cooking fuel, food insecurity, and limited access to education. This combined approach offers a broader understanding of poverty beyond income measures alone.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.