Children in Nigeria are at a high risk of being malnourished. When its incidence is compared between adults and children, it brings a worse impact on children. According to Dataphyte, about seven percent (6.5%) of children under five years in Nigeria experience wasting, which is above the global average of 4.6%. Also, 31.5% of children experience stunting, which is also above the global average of 19.9%. In fact, Nigeria’s Child Mortality rate is 11.7% above the global average of 3.7%. Consequently, Nigeria is ranked 109th out of 125 countries in the global hunger index, with a score of 28.3% in 2023.
The Global Hunger Index rate is based on four indicators: undernourishment, child wasting, child stunting, and child mortality. Malnutrition refers to the condition that occurs when a person’s diet does not provide adequate nutrients for growth and maintenance or when an individual’s body cannot adequately use the food consumed due to illness. Malnutrition encompasses both undernutrition and overnutrition. Undernutrition includes wasting (low weight for height), stunting (low height for age), underweight (low weight for age), and deficiencies in vitamins and minerals (micronutrient deficiencies).
Overnutrition and undernutrition are areas of concern.
However, overnutrition includes overweight, obesity, and diet-related noncommunicable diseases (such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers). These factors affect child development. Child development refers to the sequence of physical, cognitive, social, and emotional changes that occur in children from birth through adolescence. It involves the progression of skills and abilities, which involves physical, cognitive, social and emotional developments. It involves growth in size and strength, motor skills development, and overall physical health; intellectual abilities such as thinking, problem-solving, memory, and language; ability to interact with others, form relationships, and navigate social environments; and ability to understand and manage emotions, develop self-esteem, and build emotional resilience.
Child development is influenced by a number of factors, including genetics, environment, nutrition, and access to healthcare and education. Proper Nutrition is particularly important because it provides the necessary nutrients for brain development, physical growth, and overall health, as well as lays the foundation for a child’s future well-being and potential. When this is lacking, its effects are long-lasting on the physical, cognitive, and social development of children. It stifles physical growth in children, often causing stunted growth. Stunting is a condition where a child is too short for their age due to chronic malnutrition, which affects nearly one-third of Nigerian children under the age of five.
Issues with cognitive and social development.
Stunted growth is not only a marker of past nutritional deficiencies but also an indicator of future risks to health and development. Children who are stunted are more susceptible to infections and diseases due to a weakened immune system. They also tend to have lower muscle mass and poor motor skills development. Also, it affects the cognitive development of children. During the critical early years of a child’s life, adequate nutrition is essential for brain development. Malnourished children often suffer from impaired cognitive function, which can result in reduced IQ, poor attention span, and difficulties in learning and memory.
This impairment can lead to poor academic performance and lower educational attainment, reinforcing a cycle of Poverty and malnutrition. In the area of social and emotional developments, malnutrition can lead to a number of issues. It can lead to behavioural problems, such as irritability, anxiety, and depression. Children may struggle to form healthy social relationships and are often at a disadvantage in social interactions. The emotional stress associated with the condition can further intensify the child’s development challenges and lead to issues such as social withdrawal and poor self-esteem.
Related Article: Crisis as children suffer malnutrition in Nig
It reduces the Productivity and earning potential of individuals, which can have broader economic implications for the country. Children who suffer from malnutrition are less likely to achieve their full potential, both academically and professionally. This results in a less skilled workforce, which can hinder Economic Growth and development. Additionally, the healthcare costs associated with treating malnutrition-related illnesses place a financial burden on families and the healthcare system. The root causes of malnutrition in Nigerian children must be addressed to ensure that they have the opportunity to develop fully and contribute to the nation’s future prosperity.