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Malnutrition In Sub-Saharan Africa

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Malnutrition is a condition resulting from the deficiency of nutrients and energy provided to the body in comparison to its needs to be able to function properly (Atinmo 41). One in five developing countries such as those in Sub-Saharan Africa are afflicted by malnutrition specifically targeting children and those who live in rural areas defined by poverty (Atinmo 40). This chronic hunger has many negative affects on the people who live daily with this condition. Malnutrition stunts physical growth, lags learning capacities, increases a persons risk of developing a disease, and causes individuals to become weak not allowing them to work contributing to their poverty (Atinmo 40). Many factors contribute to the severe hunger of these people including …show more content…
Mothers being educated about nutrition will not only help them know how to live a healthier life themselves but also how to keep their children healthy. There are many strategies that can be used to educate mothers in this aspect. A study done in Ethiopia called the Infant & Young Child Nutrition project used the method of providing nutritional counseling (IYCN 5). Another technique they used was more hands-on which was to give demonstrational cooking classes using nourishing foods from their own gardens (IYCN 5). In Nigeria they also informed mothers about the benefits of breastfeeding and encouraged this (IYCN 5). Not only would these activities be beneficial to mothers but they would be enjoyable as it would bring the women in the community together, they would take a break from their daily duties, and it would be something new and exciting to them. However some object that these types of activities are rare in developing countries particularly in rural areas defined by poverty. Women and other members of these communities cannot afford these types of activities. Yes, it can be expensive to provide this type of education to mothers and it is correct at most of them cannot afford to pay for any sort of education. However, malnutrition not only requires local contribution but also global and international attention to be successfully ended …show more content…
This solution to malnutrition can prevent them from developing many effects that they will carry on with them for the rest of their lives. These effects include becoming more vulnerable to severe diseases, infections, and illnesses, (Müller & Krawinkel 279), and developing nutritional, physical, and mental deficiencies (Atinmo 40). However, if children can get passed this very sensitive period in their lives without being marked by malnutrition, their chances of developing these life long effects will decrease. Evidence has demonstrated that proper nutrition during this time, can have an enduring impact on a child’s growth, cognitive stimulation, and future productivity (IYCN 4). These long lasting outcomes include becoming less susceptible to diseases such as malaria, cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, and some cancers (Atinmo 41), they will be able to grow mentally and physically stable, and they will have a higher chance of surviving HIV-free(IYCN 14-5). As these individuals grow to be stronger, healthier, more educated people, their opportunities also grow. For example, they will have more strength to work, decreasing the severity of their poverty, and they will be able to learn easier making them more educated which again contributes to helping them receive a better job. The reason why the 1,000 day solution is more effective than

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