Why Asian children are in bad shape – the impact of gender bias

Nutrition researchers are puzzled by the ‘Asian Enigma’ – the question of why malnutrition is more prevalent among children in South Asia than in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) – despite the fact that other determinants of well-being (per capita income, democracy, food supplies, safe water, health services and education) are generally higher in South Asia. As gender inequality emerges as a key factor defining nutrition outcomes, it is important for interventions to bring the two issues together to jointly achieve the Millennium Development Goals of ending malnutrition and hunger and empowering women.