To protrude, in 2022, 2.5 billion adults were overweight, including 890 million who were living with obesity, while 390 million were underweight. Globally in 2022, 149 million children under 5 were estimated to be stunted (too short for age), 45 million were estimated to be wasted (too thin for height), and 37 million were overweight or living with obesity.

What’s the crux in the above data? The indication of poor environmental conditions or long-term restriction of a child’s growth potential. The above statistics won’t stop there, i.e. the data further augmented as unfavourable which is nearly half of deaths among children under 5 years of age are linked to under nutrition which mostly occurs in low- and middle-income countries. Presenting the national data by Ministry women & child development states that the estimated number of underweight, malnourished and severely malnourished children are under 5 years of age.

Above all to underline the primary concern, Malnutrition is a complicated problem. It serves as an illustration of how the countries are in extremes. Many people in the population are poor and unable to buy as much food as they require. In contrast to this, obesity is becoming a more widespread problem across the nation. On the contrary, what exactly is child malnutrition, refers to a combination of nutrition-related deficiencies, excesses, and imbalances which includes: Under nutrition (wasting, stunting, underweight) , Micronutrient-related malnutrition, which can be both a deficiency or an excess of vitamins and minerals , Diet-related non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and some cancers , Overweight and obesity.

One of the most common reasons for malnourishment in a child is poverty. Around 80% of children in asia has inability to access enough safe, nutritious food to remain healthy and lead an active life. A reality check to explain the latter lines which is nearly 1 in 10 people in the world – were exposed to severe levels of food insecurity in 2019, 1 with hundreds of millions of children experiencing hunger as a result.

For a little while by reaching this line you must be cognizant of the depth of malnutrition issue among children. Considering the fact, If children are deprived of their childhood—socially, economically, physically and mentally, the nation gets deprived of the potential human resources for social progress, economic empowerment, peace and order, social stability and good citizenry, which is children has direct variation with nation.

 So, addressing child malnutrition requires a multifaceted approach & strategies which is currently need of the hour. Strategies like: Micronutrient Supplementation, Breastfeeding Promotion, Prioritizing the First 1,000 Days of children, Developing Sustainable Food Systems can make significant progress in reducing child malnutrition and ensuring healthier futures for millions of children worldwide. So what are you waiting for, take significant step to nourish hope and strategies to combat child malnutrition with raay foundation.

– Ayushi Nigam

Blog Writer