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
