UNICEF: 5/6 Children Less than 2yo Undernourished
Local Editor
Five in six children under two years old are not fed enough nutritious food for their age, depriving them of the energy and nutrients they need at the most critical time in their physical and cognitive development, according to a new UNICEF report.
"Infants and young children have the greatest nutrient needs than at any other time in life. But the bodies and brains of millions of young children do not reach their full potential because they are receiving too little food, too late," said France Begin, Senior Nutrition Adviser at UNICEF.
"Poor nutrition at such a young age causes irreversible mental and physical damage."
UNICEF data show that poor nutritional practices - including the delayed introduction of solid foods, infrequent meals and lack of food variety - are widespread, depriving children of essential nutrients when their growing brains, bones and bodies need them the most.
Making nutritious foods affordable and accessible to the poorest children will require stronger and more targeted investments from governments and the private sector. Cash or in-kind transfers to vulnerable families; crop diversification programs; and fortification of staple foods are key to improving nutrition for young children.
Community-based health services that help caregivers learn better feeding practices, and safe water and sanitation - absolutely critical in preventing diarrhea among children - are also vital.
"We cannot afford to fail in our fight to improve nutrition for young children. Their ability to grow, learn and contribute to their country's future depends on it," Begin said.
Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team
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