1. Undernutrition

This includes:

• Wasting – child is too thin for their height
• Stunting – child is too short for their age
• Underweight – child is too light for their age
• Micronutrient deficiencies – not enough vitamins or minerals (e.g., iron, vitamin A, iodine)

Causes:

• Poverty
• Inadequate breastfeeding or weaning
• Frequent infections (e.g., diarrhea, malaria)
• Poor food access during droughts, floods, or conflict
• Cultural practices that limit certain foods
• Large family sizes with limited food

Signs of Undernutrition:

• Thin arms and legs
• Swollen belly (in severe cases)
• Slow growth
• Hair changes (thin, discolored)
• Tiredness and low energy
• Frequent illness
• Swollen legs and body
• Prominent bones
•  Body rashes

2. Overnutrition (Overweight and Obesity)

This is becoming more common in cities and even some rural areas.

Causes:

• Eating too many processed foods, sugary drinks, and fried snacks
• Lack of physical activity (e.g., too much sitting or screen time)
• Poor knowledge about balanced diets
• Feeding young children too much food or unhealthy foods.

• Excess body fat
• Child gets tired easily
• Trouble with movement or breathing
• At risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, and future heart problems

To grow well, children need:

• Energy (from foods like maize, cassava, rice, yam, and sweet potatoes).
• Proteins (from beans, eggs, milk, fish, groundnuts, meat).
• Vitamins and minerals (from fruits, vegetables, seeds, and local greens).
• Clean water and safe hygiene to avoid disease.

What Parents and Caregivers Can Do

✅ For Undernourished Children:

• Exclusively breastfeed for the first 6 months
• After 6 months, provide nutritious, soft, home-prepared meals
• Feed 3–5 times a day with a mix of grains, vegetables, proteins, and fruits
• Seek help from a health center for growth monitoring
• Use ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTF) if prescribed by a health worker

✅ For Overweight Children:

• Reduce sugary snacks, fried foods, and sodas
• Give more fruits, vegetables, whole grains
• Encourage active play and exercise
• Avoid forcing children to finish large meals when full
• Teach healthy habits early

Cultural Beliefs and Realities

Go to a clinic or hospital if your child:

• Is losing weight
• Refuses to eat or breastfeed
• Has swelling in the feet or face
• Has diarrhea or fever with poor appetite
• Looks very thin or very tired
• Is overweight or gaining too much weight rapidly

Where to Get Help

• Local health centers and growth monitoring clinics
• Nutrition programs run by NGOs and governments
• Community health workers
• School feeding programs
• Organizations like UNICEF, WFP, and local ministries of health

Final Message

✅ Malnutrition can be prevented and treated.
✅ Good food, clean water, love, and care can save lives.
✅ Parents, caregivers, teachers, and communities all play a role.