Malnutrition (or bad nutrition) is the condition that develops when the body does not get the right amount of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients needed to maintain healthy body organs and tissues.
It does not follow that malnourishment is only identified to those short of daily nutrition necessary for the body to function well. It is also a term applied to those whose intake is in excess of what the body needs and it is called over-nutrition.
The world’s burden on malnutrition (that’s under-nutrition we are talking about here) is larger than those who have problems with over-nutrition. Anyway, they have more money to buy food that’s why they eat excessively.
Take a glimpse on these factors or causes that result to malnutrition (under- nutrition) worldwide.
- Scarcity of food and unhealthy food preparation
- Lack of education
- War and unstable political policies
- Poor/inadequate sanitation facilities
- Ineffective food distribution
- Economic devaluation
- Inadequate health services
These factors are prevalent in most poor countries of the world from small communities up to the regional level. In such cases malnutrition becomes a national risk that needs international intervention.
Malnutrition is the major cause of death among infants, children and teenagers in the poorest countries. Growing children need enough vitamins and minerals intake to prevent infections or diseases and sustain rapid growth and development. Many malnourished children may survive but there are eminent risks of stunted growth and lifelong illnesses.
What happens when children are malnourished?
- They are at risk of infections (like gastrointestinal).
- They have poor immune system and may suffer chronic diseases.
- They suffer anemia, weight loss, decreased muscle mass and general weakness.
- Poor growth followed by illnesses or diseases that may result to death.
What can you (we) do to prevent malnutrition?
In the community level, trainings and dissemination of information is important. For example, knowledge in production of the staple food can ensure continuous food supply. If the people can participate in the community projects they can learn how to solve family’s shortage and use their acquired skills and live a better life.
From the international level, providing low cost (or it must be free) vitamins and mineral supplements to those millions of deeply affected people in depressed communities of the world. Can we call the attention of the WHO?
The United Nation’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights of (1948) says that nutrition is a fundamental human right. It’s been 62 years since and still millions of children are dying of malnutrition.
The United Nation’s Millennium Summit in September 2000 clearly indicates in its 8 Millennium Development Goals as its Goal 1: Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger. It seems the world as a whole cannot do what has to be done; less than 5 years remain for the 8 MDG’s deadline; and still the number of children dying is increasing.
For us people who cannot do anything but wait, we can extend help to malnourished children of the world through your donations. “Children of the Planet Trust” will receive your kind donation and thank you in advance.
You can get in touch through our CONTACT FORM at this link: http://www.childrenoftheplanetcharity.com/contact-us/.