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Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Facts about Malnutrition

Facts about Malnutrition:

Malnutrition (or under nutrition), is a highly serious medical condition, in which the diet is deficient of energy, necessary proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Most of the physical harm caused by malnutrition affects children in the first two years of their development. Malnutrition in children can permanently stunt physical growth and brain development. Such consequences can lead to further problems in the future for individuals and the greater community, including future problems in learning, finding work, reproduction, and especially long-term health complications.

According to the WHO, World Food Programme, the UN System Standing Committee on Nutrition, and the UN Children’s fund:
·      In total, about 195 million children suffer from malnutrition worldwide
·      About 20 million children under the age of five are afflicted with severe acute malnourishment; so far, only 3% of children receive treatment
·      One third of the approximately 8 million child deaths each year world wide occur due to severe acute malnutrition
·      Common illnesses, like pneumonia and diarrhea, can be particularly deadly for malnourished children
·      An estimated 9 children per minute die from malnutrition-related afflictions
·      Undernutrition is the #1 risk to health in the world
·      Mid-upper arm circumference can be measured with colored plastic strips, which makes severe acute malnutrition diagnosis simple. If the measurement is less than 110m, urgent treatment is needed
·      As for economic impact, it is estimated that each $1 USD spent on malnutrition initiatives result in $8-$138 USD in impact


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