Tackling Protein-Calorie Malnutrition during World Crises
Zahra Ali Padhani1, Jai K Das1,2, Saeed Akhtar3
1Institute for Global Health and Development, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.
Annals of Nutrition & Metabolism
|March 17, 2022
Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated global malnutrition, impacting child nutrition and maternal health. This review examines the effects on food systems and discusses interventions to combat maternal and child malnutrition.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Nutrition Science
- Global Health
Background:
- Undernutrition is a major global health issue, particularly in developing countries, weakening immunity and increasing disease risk.
- The COVID-19 pandemic has severely worsened existing malnutrition crises, causing significant health, social, and economic disruptions worldwide.
- Pre-pandemic, 54% of children under 5 were malnourished; post-pandemic estimates indicate millions more stunted and wasted children, plus increased maternal anemia and child deaths.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the impact of COVID-19 on malnutrition, food systems, and industry.
- To highlight global measures implemented to address maternal and child malnutrition burdens.
- To discuss direct and indirect interventions for reducing malnutrition during the pandemic.
Main Methods:
- This is a review article, synthesizing existing evidence and data.
- Focuses on the health and nutrition sectors' response to the pandemic's effects.
- Analyzes the impact of movement restrictions on food supply chains and accessibility.
Main Results:
- COVID-19 disrupted food supply chains, affecting harvests, processing, logistics, and food prices, leading to shortages.
- Millions of additional children faced stunting and wasting, with a rise in maternal anemia and child mortality.
- Productivity losses due to malnutrition reached USD 29.7 billion.
Conclusions:
- The pandemic underscored the interconnectedness of food systems, nutrition, health, and economic prosperity.
- Various interventions like cash transfers and food distribution were implemented globally.
- A holistic approach is essential to mitigate malnutrition and build resilient food systems for future crises.
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