Daily Times

Malnutrition, a dire condition arising from the systemic deprivation of essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, presents a significant and pervasive threat to individuals across the globe. Its insidious presence impacts both the undernourished and overnourished, casting a long shadow over the health and well-being of populations. Remarkably, within the United States, a surprising revelation emerges – more children grapple with the debilitating effects of malnutrition due to dietary imbalances than deficiencies, unravelling a complex web of challenges that necessitates immediate and comprehensive attention.

Malnutrition unfolds when the body is starved of the fundamental nutrients vital for maintaining healthy tissues and organ function. This dichotomy manifests in two distinct forms: undernutrition, characterized by the insufficient intake of essential nutrients, and overnutrition, a consequence of excessive consumption. The latter often results from poor dietary choices, sedentary lifestyles, or the overuse of vitamins and dietary supplements. Notably, individuals who find themselves more than 20 per cent overweight or adhere to diets high in fat and salt face an elevated risk of succumbing to the perils of overnutrition.

Breaking the cycle of malnutrition is not merely a health imperative but a moral obligation to secure a healthier, more robust future for generations to come.

The symptomatic expressions of malnutrition are diverse, particularly when it comes to its impact on children. Malnourished children often display stunted growth, a telltale sign of their bodies struggling to thrive. Their appearance oscillates between being unnaturally thin or bloated, while an overarching listlessness pervades their demeanour, accompanied by compromised immune systems. Delving deeper, the repercussions extend beyond physical aspects, affecting sensory functions such as sight, taste, and smell. Indicators may include pale, thick and dry skin, easily pulled-out thin hair, achy joints, bleeding gums, night blindness, and a litany of other distressing manifestations.

Malnutrition’s complex tapestry is intricately woven with factors like poverty and a pervasive lack of nutritional understanding. Somalia stands out with the dubious distinction of holding the highest rate of malnutrition globally, with approximately 40 per cent of children in certain regions reported as underweight, and 16 per cent suffering from wasting. The situation is equally grim in Pakistan, where nearly half of mothers and children contend with deficiencies in crucial nutrients like Vitamin A and Zinc, and anaemia.

Taking a closer look at various provinces within Pakistan, disconcerting statistics underscore the severity of the issue. Sindh province reveals a staggering 41 per cent of children under 5 years being underweight, 15 per cent wasted, and every second child in KPK experiencing stunted growth. Meanwhile, other parts of Punjab disclose alarming figures, with 23.1 per cent of children being underweight, 17.5 per cent wasted, and 28.1 per cent stunted. The federal capital territory of Islamabad further accentuates the gravity, reporting 29.5 per cent of children being stunted, 13 per cent wasted, and 35 per cent underweight.

Shifting our focus to the alarming prevalence of Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) in Pakistan unravels a truly distressing reality. SAM stands as a grim contributor to an estimated three million deaths annually, translating to a staggering 65.2 deaths per 1000 live births. The latest analysis by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) paints a stark picture, revealing that 2.14 million people in Pakistan currently grapple with acute malnutrition. This data underscores the urgent need for a collective response to address the crisis on a national scale.

Effectively combating malnutrition necessitates a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach that spans education, poverty alleviation, and improved access to nutritious food. Governments, non-governmental organizations, and local communities must join hands to foster awareness, implement sustainable nutrition programs, and ensure widespread access to quality healthcare. Breaking the cycle of malnutrition is not merely a health imperative but a moral obligation to secure a healthier, more robust future for generations to come.

Malnutrition remains a silent crisis; stealthily impacting lives across the globe. Urgent, sustained efforts are imperative to address its root causes and mitigate its devastating effects. Only through a concerted, collective response can we hope to break free from the shackles of malnutrition and pave the way for a healthier, more equitable future.

The writer is a freelance columnist.