24 kids will have died as a result of starvation by the time you are done reading this.
This is due to the tragic truth that, globally, a kid dies from hunger every 10 seconds, affecting more than 3 million children annually.
What is Malnutrition?
At its root, malnutrition is a nutritional shortfall that has a negative impact on one’s health. Malnutrition is often associated with children who do not consume enough of the proper foods. Additionally, it can happen if kids eat the improper foods in excess. Tragically, all of these factors play a part in the undernutrition that prevents more than 170 million children from reaching their full potential.
According to World Health Organization Around 45% of deaths among children under 5 years of age are linked to undernutrition. These mostly occur in low- and middle-income countries. At the same time, in these same countries, rates of childhood overweight and obesity are rising.
The following are the main causes of Child Malnutrition
Poor Maternal Health
The first 1,000 days of a child’s life—from the beginning of a woman’s pregnancy to the child’s second birthday—represent the biggest window of opportunity for that child’s health. Pregnant women who have little nutrition may have trouble giving birth. Because their moms are malnourished, many babies are born undersized. Mothers who are severely undernourished may find it difficult to nurse their children.
Socioeconomic Development
In poorer nations, malnutrition is mostly caused by poverty. Many times, families in poverty don’t have access to fresh produce. Many communities lack full-service grocers that carry fresh food on a daily basis. Even if they do, purchasing fresh produce can be costly. When children cannot get fresh produce, they might load up on less costly, less healthful items.
War and Conflict
At least 240 million kids live in unstable and conflict-affected nations. These kids are more likely to die before turning five, have stunted growth from starvation, and much more.
Children suffer the most from war and conflicts. Babies, toddlers, and teens are more vulnerable than any other age group to the aftereffects of explosive warfare: hunger, stunted growth, wasting, and in the most severe cases, death stalks the battlefield. And what makes starvation caused by conflict so poisonous is the fact that these impacts on children are irreversible.
What Can Be Done to Help Children Who Are Undernourished?
In order to combat childhood malnutrition, we must provide undernourished children with food as well as give their families the tools they need to stand against future food insecurity-related issues.
In conclusion, food is a basic human right. Every kid should have the opportunity to develop into a healthy adult and live without hunger. If you agree, contribute to the initiatives that are now providing the most vulnerable children in the world with food that will save their lives.
Help Someone Get Their Next Meal Today. We invite you to add Food for Life to your list of charities even if you already give to some others.
