According to the World Food Programme: Guatemala has the fourth highest rate of chronic malnutrition in the world.
Malnutrition causes the individual to have a challenge within ones body; such as, growing and fighting off disease. These effects can have further effects on the individual -- physical work, learning, providing for children, etc...
Malnutrition consists of a combination, getting enough food / the right sort of food. It is important to have the essential nutrients (vitamins & minerals) from conception - 2 years old.
The article Guatemala's malnutrition crisis, goes into further detail about the issue of malnutrition. It was sad to read that these children represent, "the worst rates of chronic malnutrition in the world." The article also states that: "the problem is not a lack of food, but a lack of the right kind of food, with enough protein and micronutrients to keep children healthy."
Learning about the malnutrition crisis was really disheartening. I can't imagine how miserable I'd be if I couldn't provide nutrition for my 2 year old daughter. Nobody should have to live through things like that, especially at the hands of wealth and corruption.
ReplyDeleteFor some reason I was under the impression the worst malnutrition is in Africa. Thanks for the info I learned something.
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