I chose to write about nutrition and malnutrition. As all of the public health issues are essential in every child's development, I find that nutrition and malnutrition is widespread around the world and deeply effects each and every one of us. It is incredibly sad to learn of all the communities that are affected by malnutrition and their outcomes.
Malnutrition is very apparent in the country of Benin. Benin's population is about 9 million people and some 50 languages. More than one in three Beninese children under the age of five show signs of chronic malnutrition. Most families harvest crops for both income and consumption and feed their children whatever crops are available. In most situations, the reason for malnutrition is the lack of food that is available. In Benin however, a nurse who works at a Health Clinic in Benin, stated that there is not a shortage of food but, rather, mothers don't use the right ingredients, which makes the main cause of malnutrition "ignorance." This information was very insightful. I, too, always thought that malnutrition was caused by lack of food. In this country unequal power between men and women is also one of the causes of child malnutrition. Men often buy the meat and eat their share first and leave whatever is left over for the women and children. Myths about food also add to the problem of malnutrition.
UNICEF is working with Benin's Ministry of Health to prevent child illnesses related to malnutrition. After learning more about Benin and the cause of malnutrition, many of these children's lives can be saved by providing education on proper nutrition to their families. It is important that all families, even the ones that are not suffering from malnutrition, are being educated on the importance of nutrition and the impact it has on their child's development. Being a professional in the early childhood field it is my passion to advocate for young children and their families and educate them on all public health issues.
Resource: UNICEF (2010, April). Engaging Communities to Prevent Malnutrition in Benin. Retrieved from http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/benin_53329.html
Angie,
ReplyDeleteI think the idea that malnutrition can be linked to ignorance than shortage of food is insightful! Alot of times mothers in the United States can get food from a food bank or food pantry, but how that food is prepared can make a big difference. Even our school lunch programs do not provide the kind of quality children need. I think we are also well aware that more nutritious food is often more costly than non nutritious food. Sometimes I have to buy a lesser quality item due to budget needs, so even if a family can afford some groceries, sometimes it's is not always the best quality food that is being purchased.
I agree with what you and Molly said.You might not be able to afford the finest in different food but as long as we can feed them what is healthy.
ReplyDeleteAngie,
ReplyDeleteI agree! Great point that malnutrition does not always mean not enough food. Eating healthy can get expensive and I myself do not provide the best nutritional foods for my children. But I am aware and trying to change our eating patterns. I wish I would have made it a priority when they were younger and created healthier eating habits. Unfortunately, I can relate and as a single parent I was in survival mode and looked to buy the most I could for my money just so the kids would have SOMETHING in their tummies. I was young and uninformed. I would have loved access to a nutritional class as I have learned how extremely important nutrition is to a child's development.
Angie, I am so grateful that you chose to pick this topic. I always try to be more informative about nutrient and I must admit that I sometimes fall off the scale, but because I have twin babies I know that I must do better. I also know that as sad as it is in other countries in regards to malnutrient we have the same problem here in our back yard that need to be address we have so many children that are malnutrient becaus eparent do not have the money to feed them proper. I believe that in order to make a differnce in another country we must first make a difference in our country.
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