Nutrition
The right nutrition is vital at every stage of child development, from what mothers eat during pregnancy, through to breastfeeding and toddlers’ diets. Nutrients like protein provide the building blocks in the brain for key processes such as the growth of cells.36 By intervening with nutrition programmes, policymakers can improve children's future outcomes and break the cycle of poverty.
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According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 50% of malnutrition is associated with poor water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH).37 Interventions to improve nutrition and WASH behaviours can be integrated to reduce overburdening target audiences and those working with them.38 Governments cannot afford not to act. Long-term effects like health problems and depressed incomes are costly. Stunting alone currently costs developing countries an estimated 13.5% of GDP per capita, on average.39 Obesity, meanwhile, is estimated to have the same impact on the global economy as smoking and armed conflict, at around 2.8% of GDP or $2 trillion.40
Photo: Demissew Bizuwerk - UNICEF
Around the world, one in three children under 5 are either undernourished or overweight, and at least half suffer from one or more micronutrient deficiencies.35 While rates of undernutrition are slowly decreasing, obesity is surging at an alarming rate.
