Why Is Hunger a Big Problem for Children?
Every six seconds a child dies from hunger or hunger-related causes, according to the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Hunger and malnutrition also stunt mental and physical development.
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Significance
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The total number of children who die each year from hunger and malnutrition is more than 5 million, according to the FAO. Many of the world's hungry children live in the African subcontinent.
Effects
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Hungry children are underweight and undernourished, according to the FAO. Their bodies also lack key nutrients such as vitamin A, iron and zinc.
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Risks
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Hunger increases the likelihood that a child will contract an infectious disease such as diarrhea, malaria, measles or pneumonia. It also raises the risk that a child will die from those treatable diseases.
Development
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Hunger can impair a child's cognitive and motor development. Some of the effects include stunted growth, lack of energy and mental retardation.
Potential
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Children who grow up hungry and malnourished tend to be less productive and earn lower earnings because of lifelong physical and mental limitations, the FAO reports.
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- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Daniel Zanini H.
