Feeding the world’s children

Almost one third of children in less-developed countries have malnutrition. A report published by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reveals striking new differences in prevalence rates of malnutrition, with almost half of all children in south Asia being malnourished compared with less than one third in sub-Saharan Africa. Yet, food production and availability per head are about the same in south Asia and in sub-Saharan Africa, illustrating the weakness of the argument that malnutrition is caused by lack of food alone.

This editorial of The Lancet examines the various contributors to child malnutrition, and reviews progress made since the 1990 World Summit for Children. It discusses sanitation, maternal health, and food hygiene in relation to child malnutrition. It is suggested a greater focus on women’s health and nutrition, educational support for families with infants on what their dietary needs are, and prevention of common illnesses by vaccination, improved sanitation, and better food hygiene is needed. [adapted from author]

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