Source: Voanews

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Context

• A recent UNICEF report has revealed alarming statistics about severe food poverty among children under age 5 worldwide.

Details

• The report indicates that 27% of young children, or approximately 181 million, are experiencing severe food poverty, defined by consuming no more than two of the eight recognized food groups per day.
• This condition puts these children at high risk of life-threatening malnutrition, including wasting, the most severe form.

Key Findings

• Global Distribution:
  • South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa: Over two-thirds of children in severe food poverty reside in these regions.
  • High-Impact Countries: 20 countries account for 65% of these children.
• Statistics:
  • Wasting and Mortality: Severely malnourished children are 12 times more likely to die than their well-nourished peers.
  • Gaza: Severe food poverty is notably high due to ongoing conflict, with 90% of children living in such conditions between December 2023 and April 2024.
• Progress and Efforts:
  • West and Central Africa: Severe food poverty has decreased from 42% in 2012 to 32% in 2022 due to government investments in child nutrition and feeding counseling.
  • Middle- and Upper-Income Households: Surprisingly, nearly half (97 million) of the affected children live in relatively affluent households.

Recommendations

UNICEF urges a comprehensive and coordinated response involving:

• Governments: Increased investments in child nutrition programs and policies.
• Humanitarian Organizations: Enhanced support and intervention in regions most affected by severe food poverty.
• Food Industry: Collaboration to ensure affordable and accessible nutritious food.
• Media: Raising awareness about the severity of child food poverty and promoting actionable solutions.

Conclusion

The UNICEF report highlights the critical need for immediate and sustained action to address severe food poverty among children under 5. By mobilizing a broad range of stakeholders, there is hope for reducing the prevalence of this life-threatening condition and improving the overall health and survival of young children globally.

Sources:

Voanews

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