EARLY NUTRITION AND HEALTH: SHORT- AND LONG-TERM RESULTS

“FOOD IS THE FIRST ENJOYMENT OF LIFE”- LIN YUTAN

Nutrition is a critical part of health and development. Better nutrition is related to improved infant and child health, stronger immune systems, lower risk of non-communicable diseases, and longevity.

Malnutrition, in every form, presents significant threats to human health. Today the world faces a double burden of malnutrition that includes both undernutrition and overweight, especially in low- and middle-income countries. About 840 million people are undernourished globally, and 799million live in developing countries.

Adequate nutrition plays a major role in the survival, growth, and development of children, especially the under-fives. Any loss in height and brain growth at this early age is irreversible even if nutrition is improved at a later age.

Stunting is used as a direct growth measure of the quality of life of the entire population and as an indicator of food adequacy

The effects of malnutrition have intergenerational negative consequences and a nation with malnourished children has a malnourished economy

The goal is for all children to be free of malnutrition in all its forms by 2030.

Children with adequate nutrition are more productive and can create opportunities to gradually break the cycles of poverty, malnutrition, and disease into a virtuous cycle of wealth, growth, and health.

Let us all work together to make sure that our children especially the under-five get adequate nutrition to SURVIVE and THRIVE