Addressing Nutritional Deficiencies in Children: Understanding Malnutrition and its Contributing Factors

*Mobile Maternal Child Health Clinics include nutritional education and growth monitoring at HopeCore. PC: Melavin Muthamaki*

Introduction

Nutritional deficiencies in children continue to be a major public health issue, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Malnutrition, which includes both undernutrition and overnutrition, affects millions of children worldwide and contributes to a wide range of health problems.

Definition and Types of Malnutrition

Malnutrition is a condition that occurs when a person's diet does not provide the nutrients that are needed for optimal health and growth. Malnutrition includes both undernutrition, which is a deficiency of essential nutrients, and overnutrition, which is an excess of nutrients, particularly calories.

Undernutrition is a more common form of malnutrition, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. According to UNICEF, 149 million children under the age of five are stunted, which means they are too short for their age due to chronic undernutrition. Additionally, 45 million children under five are wasted, which means they are too thin for their height due to acute malnutrition.

Overnutrition, on the other hand, is a growing problem worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of overweight children under the age of five has increased from 32 million in 1990 to 41 million in 2016. Overweight and obesity in childhood increase the risk of noncommunicable diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer later in life.

Causes and Contributors of Malnutrition

Malnutrition is caused by a combination of factors, including poverty, poor access to healthcare, and inadequate access to food. In low- and middle-income countries, poverty is a significant contributor to malnutrition. Families living in poverty often cannot afford to provide their children with nutritious food or access to healthcare.

In addition to poverty, conflict and natural disasters can also contribute to malnutrition. When families are forced to flee their homes due to conflict or natural disasters, they often lose access to food and healthcare. This can lead to malnutrition and other health problems.

Lack of access to clean water and sanitation also contributes to malnutrition. When children do not have access to clean water, they are more likely to become sick from waterborne diseases, which can cause diarrhea and other health problems. These illnesses can make it difficult for children to absorb nutrients from the food they eat, leading to malnutrition.

*Growth Monitoring at HopeCore’s Child Maternal Health Clinic. Photo obtained with parent permission. PC: Vincent Mawira*

Health Consequences of Malnutrition

Malnutrition can have serious health consequences for children, including stunted growth, wasting, and micronutrient deficiencies. Stunted growth is a condition in which a child is too short for their age, which can lead to poor cognitive development and an increased risk of chronic diseases later in life.

Wasting, or acute malnutrition, is a condition in which a child is too thin for their height. Children who suffer from wasting are at risk of severe health consequences, including death.

Micronutrient deficiencies, also known as hidden hunger, occur when a child's diet lacks essential vitamins and minerals. These deficiencies can lead to a range of health problems, including anemia, blindness, and immune system dysfunction.

Global Efforts to Address Malnutrition in Children

The global community has made significant efforts to address malnutrition in children, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The WHO has established the Global Nutrition Targets 2025, which aim to improve maternal, infant, and young child nutrition. These targets include reducing the number of stunted children under five years of age by 40%, reducing the number of wasted children under five years of age by 50%, and increasing the rate of exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months of life to at least 50%.

Additionally, UNICEF has launched a global initiative called the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement, which aims to improve nutrition in 63 countries by 2025. The SUN Movement focuses on five key areas: political leadership, food security and livelihoods, maternal and child health, social protection, and monitoring and evaluation.

Governments, non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders have also launched a range of programs and initiatives aimed at improving nutrition in children. For example, the World Food Programme (WFP) provides food assistance to families affected by conflict and natural disasters. The Micronutrient Initiative provides supplements to address micronutrient deficiencies in children.

What to Do?

Nutritional deficiencies in children continue to be a major public health issue, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Malnutrition, which includes both undernutrition and overnutrition, affects millions of children worldwide and contributes to a wide range of health problems.

To address this critical issue, the global community has made significant efforts to improve maternal, infant, and young child nutrition. Governments, non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders have launched a range of programs and initiatives aimed at improving nutrition in children.

As individuals, there are also actions we can take to support efforts to address malnutrition in children. We can support organizations working to improve nutrition, advocate for policies that promote food security and nutrition, and make sustainable and healthy food choices.

In conclusion, addressing malnutrition in children is a complex issue that requires a multi-faceted approach. By working together and taking collective action, we can ensure that all children have access to the nutrition they need to grow and thrive.

A HopeCore success story on child malnutrition:

A story of a child named Promise, by Irene Mokua (HopeCore Public Health Program Manager)

Promise’s story is a testament to the impact our nutrition project can have on improving the lives of malnourished children in rural communities. When Promise was brought to our clinic, he was malnourished and his mother was resistant to the nutritionist’s advice due to her previous experiences. However, with the help of our nutritionist, we provided the necessary supplements and dietary advice to help him gain weight and improve his overall health. The mother followed our nutritionist’s recommendations and provided her son with the high-protein diet he needed, which included small, frequent meals, fruits, and vegetables. She also received Ready Use Therapeutic Feed and Fortified Blended Flour, which were crucial in supporting Promise’s nutritional needs.

The mother’s commitment to following our instructions was critical in ensuring that Promise received the necessary care to achieve a healthy weight. She brought him in for monthly growth monitoring, and through our continuous support, we saw steady improvement in his weight. In just four months, Promise’s weight increased from 6.9 kgs to 10 kgs, and he achieved a normal weight for his age. This was a significant milestone for Promise and his mother, and in December, he was discharged from our nutrition program.

Promise’s success story highlights the positive impact that our nutrition project can have on improving the lives of vulnerable children in rural communities. By providing essential services such as nutritional support, we can make a significant difference in the lives of those who need it most. Our team’s dedication and expertise, combined with the mother’s commitment to following our advice, were critical in helping Promise achieve a healthy weight and a brighter future.