United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has initiated an 'Online Quiz Competition' to improve the general understanding of food security and hunger issues.

Announcing the competition, WFP Representative Douglas Broderick said the contest would encourage students and professionals to enrich their knowledge on food security and hunger issues.

"One child dies every five seconds in the world because of hunger. In Bangladesh, about 50 percent under-five children are underweight and stunted, reducing mental capacity and impeding physical growth," he added.

The contest is open to all living in Bangladesh. The participants can get details for the competition and clues for the answers by logging on to the WFP Bangladesh website (http://bangla-desh.wfp.org).

There are 11 questions. The answers will be accepted until June 30, 2007. Top three scorers will be awarded cash prizes, including certificates, said a press release.

The new WFP Bangladesh website will enable the users to read about food security and hunger, including major interventions in safety net programmes.

Special features such as food security in Bangladesh, global and country specific hunger statistics, latest food security information, early warning and disaster preparedness are available on the website.