Emaciated bodies and ribs protruding behind pale, thin skin are no longer just scenes from faraway countries on television; they are now a reality faced by many children experiencing malnutrition in their own homeland. Eliminating child malnutrition is essential to achieving the second Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)—a global commitment to ending hunger and malnutrition in all its forms. However, due to various economic, political, and social reasons, along with multiple food crises linked to conflict and climate change, the world is not on track to meet this goal.

Malnutrition is a condition caused by not consuming enough calories or lacking the essential nutrients—like vitamins and minerals—required for good health. It can occur due to a deficiency in the diet or when the body cannot absorb nutrients properly.

Types of Malnutrition in Children:
There are two main types:

1. Undernutrition
The child lacks the nutrients that provide energy, negatively affecting growth and normal development.

2. Overnutrition
This is also a form of malnutrition, caused by consuming nutrients at levels higher than needed, putting the child at risk of obesity.

Causes of Malnutrition in Children:
Lack of Nutritional Awareness
Parents may not understand the importance of proper nutrition or how to provide a balanced diet, leading to unhealthy food choices or neglecting children's nutritional needs.

Low Income and Poverty
Healthy food may be expensive and not easily accessible for low-income families, resulting in poor dietary choices.

Family Malnutrition
If the household as a whole practices unhealthy eating, children are likely to follow suit. Cultural, social, and economic factors may promote poor dietary habits.

Lack of Time and Knowledge
Some families lack time or expertise to prepare nutritious meals, relying instead on fast food high in saturated fats and added sugars.

Cultural and Religious Restrictions
Certain cultures or religions restrict specific foods or beverages, reducing dietary variety and food options for children.

Diseases and Disorders
Some health conditions affect appetite or nutrient absorption. Chronic illnesses, food allergies, or feeding difficulties can contribute to malnutrition.

Measurements:
Three main indicators are used to detect malnutrition in children:

Stunting (significantly low height for age)

Underweight (significantly low weight for age)

Wasting (significantly low weight for height)

Children with severe acute malnutrition are often extremely thin and may also have swelling in the hands and feet, making internal issues more apparent to healthcare workers. They are also at higher risk of infections.

Long-Term Effects:
Childhood malnutrition directly harms brain structure, impairing motor development and exploratory behavior. Children who are malnourished before age two and then gain weight rapidly are at increased risk of chronic, nutrition-related illnesses in adolescence.

Studies show a strong correlation between malnutrition and child mortality. With proper treatment, growth becomes a sign of recovery and good health. Even mild malnutrition significantly increases the risk of death from respiratory diseases, diarrhea, and malaria. In girls, it can lead to shorter stature as adults and a higher risk of giving birth to underweight babies.

Malnutrition during fetal development or early life can alter metabolism and physiological functions, increasing lifelong risk of cardiovascular diseases. Children often face malnutrition during rapid growth phases, which can have long-lasting health effects.

Managing Child Malnutrition:
Care plans depend on each child’s individual condition. Often, healthcare providers refer the child to a licensed dietitian for specialized support. The dietitian may:

Refer families to food security programs

Share shopping, cooking, and meal prep tips

Help address picky eating

Recommend dietary supplements for vitamins, minerals, calories, or protein

Child nutrition is an integral part of the complex relationship between health and socio-economic development. Malnutrition deeply affects cultural, social, and economic dietary practices. Primary healthcare is the gateway to meeting community health needs, and primary care providers play a crucial role in early detection, diagnosis, referral, and integrated management of child malnutrition.
AL- Mustaqbal University The First University in Iraq

Goal 3 of the Sustainable Development Goals: Good Health and Well-being