UNICEF Warns of Severe Malnutrition Crisis Affecting Two Million Children
UNICEF has raised an alarm about a severe crisis affecting nearly two million children suffering from severe wasting, also known as severe acute malnutrition. These children are at a high risk of death due to a shortage of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) in 12 countries, including Pakistan, which may run out of stock by mid-2025.
UNICEF highlighted that countries like Mali, Nigeria, Niger, and Chad are already experiencing or are about to face RUTF shortages. Other countries at risk include Cameroon, Pakistan, Sudan, Madagascar, South Sudan, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Uganda.
Severe wasting in children under five is alarmingly high, driven by conflict, economic challenges, and climate crises. This condition, caused by a lack of nutritious food and frequent illnesses, leaves children dangerously thin and weakens their immune systems, making them vulnerable to growth failure, poor development, and even death.
Call for Immediate Action
Victor Aguayo, UNICEF’s Director of Child Nutrition and Development, emphasized the need for immediate action to save the lives of these children. He noted that a global response in the past two years has helped scale up nutrition programs to combat child wasting in countries severely affected by conflict and economic shocks.
UNICEF is calling for USD165 million in funding through the ‘No Time to Waste 2024 Update and Call to Urgent Action’ to provide therapeutic feeding and care for the at-risk children. This follows the 2022 launch of the ‘No Time to Waste Acceleration Plan,’ which aimed to address severe malnutrition in nearly 8 million children across 15 countries.
Doubts Revealed
UNICEF -: UNICEF stands for the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund. It is an organization that helps children around the world, especially those who are in need of food, education, and healthcare.
Malnutrition -: Malnutrition means not getting enough of the right kinds of food to be healthy. It can make children very weak and sick because their bodies don’t have the nutrients they need to grow and stay strong.
Severe wasting -: Severe wasting is a form of malnutrition where children become very thin and weak because they don’t have enough food. It is very dangerous and can lead to death if not treated.
Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) -: RUTF is a special kind of food that is packed with nutrients and is used to help very sick and malnourished children get better. It is easy to eat and doesn’t need to be cooked.
Victor Aguayo -: Victor Aguayo is a person who works with UNICEF. He is involved in helping children who are suffering from malnutrition and is calling for help to solve this crisis.
USD165 million -: USD165 million is a lot of money, in US dollars, that UNICEF says is needed to help buy food and provide care for the children who are suffering from malnutrition.
No Time to Waste 2024 Update and Call to Urgent Action -: This is a plan by UNICEF to quickly help children who are very sick from not having enough food. It is a call for people and countries to act fast and provide the help needed.