Malnutrition amongst kids in Africa

According to the National Institutes of Health, malnutrition is a contributing factor for more than one-third of all childhood deaths. Although it is not typically listed as a direct cause of death, malnutrition in children has been associated with 54 percent of childhood deaths in developing countries. When a child is malnourished, the body does not have the nutrients or calories that it needs to maintain body processes, such as growth and immunity.

What Is Malnutrition?

Malnutrition occurs when the child does not get enough calories, proteins and nutrients to sustain life. Impoverished areas of the world like developing countries in Africa are at a greater risk of childhood malnutrition. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics report that more than 20 million children under five years old are severely malnourished. When a child is malnourished,  the child may not grow properly, have developmental delays and a weak immune system.

Main Causes of Malnutrition in Children in Africa

Many babies are born with a low birthweight and are not breastfed. African mothers often avoid breastfeeding to help reduce the risk of transmitting HIV to their children. These mothers must make a decision of whether they would rather risk malnutrition of their children or transmit HIV to their children. Furthermore, the baby formula provided in Africa often do not contain the nutrients that the infant needs. However, breastfed infants are often malnourished because the mother themselves are undernourished. Oftentimes, breast milk does not contain the necessary vitamins and minerals that the child needs.

In addition to this, the agriculturally based lifestyles of many African families lead to very limited resources. Their soil has been stripped of the nutrients and minerals commonly found in the soil. African families tend to not receive enough fat and protein in their diet.

Poverty in Africa is another leading cause of malnutrition. The unemployment rate in this country is staggering. Families often do not have the money needed to purchase foods that are not grown or their own land. This results in a decreased intake of food.

Finally, repeated infectious diseases can rob the body of the nutrients that the child needs. When the body is fighting off infections, the need for additional nutrients and calories are needed to help fight off infections. The number of infectious disease cases in African children is staggering. Oftentimes, a child will experience multiple infectious diseases throughout the year.

Ending Childhood Malnutrition in Africa

The first years of a child's life are the most important.  If a child is malnourished during this time, it can have irreversible and long-term effects on a child's overall health and cognitive development. One of the main ways to help end childhood malnutrition is through education, community development and food programs. In addition to this ensuring these socioeconomically deprived areas have clean water and sanitation services can help to decrease malnutrition. Providing impoverished households with the tools needed to lift them out of poverty along with providing health institutes can help to end childhood malnutrition in Africa.