According to recent reports, more children die around the world from malnourishment than from diseases. Malnutrition is generally caused because of less food and illnesses. Studies suggest that about 146 million kids in the world are underweight and the count of children with stunted growth is around 196 million since these kids did not get proper nutrition.
However, the positive thing is that this disease of malnutrition is both preventable as well as treatable. One of the ways malnutrition can be checked is by making mothers aware of ideal feeding practices like breast-feeding and family nutrition. There are various steps to be taken for restoring health in kids suffering from malnutrition, these steps are:
Gradually re-start feeding: Start slowly and do not give a big meal the first time. It can result in a situation where red blood cells cannot carry oxygen and start suffocating. Begin by giving food rich in nutrients and then move towards balanced meals.
Nutrition & liquids: Children suffering from malnutrition should be given food that is rich in vitamins and other nutrients. Introduce milk, juices and other liquids during this time.
Timely meals: Try to give meals on timely basis and see that at least the child gets three meals every day.
Initiatives against malnutrition
There have been several initiatives around the world to provide proper care to children suffering from malnutrition. Let us look at two such initiatives being taken in Nepal and Somalia.
Nepal
In Nepal, almost 50% of kids under the age of 5 years are malnourished and every year fifty thousand children die in the country from malnutrition. However, shockingly, main reason for this problem is not poverty but ignorance. The effort there is to provide nutritional therapy by use of ingredients available locally. Mothers have also being taught nutritional practices and how to cook food properly.
Somalia
In Somalia, many families are forced to look for help due to the drought and famine conditions and many have moved to Ethiopia hoping that situation would be better there. Many children suffer from acute malnutrition, but non-profit organizations have been able to save several lives with proper care. Families are being provided food baskets containing pulses, maize, and vegetable oils so that they can meet nutritional requirements of their kids.