Tag: Poverty and malnutrition

According to UNICEF, nearly 20 million children under five suffer from severe acute malnutrition and it is a leading cause of child deaths globally. A complex interplay of social, environmental, and physiological aspects form the factors contributing to severe acute malnutrition, creating a critical public health challenge that requires a comprehensive understanding.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly half of all deaths among children under five years of age are linked to undernutrition. The main reason for malnutrition is multifaceted, but poverty stands as the fundamental, underlying driver, amplifying issues like food insecurity, poor sanitation, and disease that directly impact nutritional status.

According to the 2023 National Nutrition Survey, 23.6% of Filipino children under five were stunted, highlighting the severity of the current case of malnutrition in the Philippines. The country faces a complex 'triple burden' of undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and overnutrition, demanding comprehensive, multi-sectoral solutions.

Globally, it is estimated that malnutrition contributes to around 45% of child deaths under five years of age. The predisposing factors of PEM are a complex web of social, economic, and biological issues that increase a person's vulnerability to this condition.

According to the World Health Organization, every country in the world is affected by one or more forms of malnutrition. A wide range of factors can be the cause of malnutrition, including insufficient nutrient intake, underlying diseases, and socioeconomic issues.