3 must have items to save children's lives
At least 1 in 3 children under 5 are affected by malnutrition globally. These children are not getting the nutrition they need to survive and thrive.
Severe drought, ongoing armed conflicts and humanitarian crises are threatening the lives of innocent children around the world.
At least 1 in 3 children under 5 are affected by malnutrition globally.
These children are not getting the nutrition they need to survive and thrive. This is especially true for the poorest and most vulnerable children.
From pregnancy, through childhood and adolescence, poor diets are a leading cause of malnutrition in all its forms. Children’s diets are shaped by multiple forces – globalization, urbanization, inequities, environmental crises, epidemics and humanitarian emergencies – that undermine families’ access to nutritious, safe and affordable foods.
Today, many countries are facing a double or triple burden of malnutrition – with concurrent problems of stunting, wasting, micronutrient deficiencies, and being overweight.
Must have items for treating malnutrition in children
1. Therapeutic milk - magical milk that can save lives!
When babies or young children are extremely malnourished, they cannot tolerate normal food. Therapeutic milk is made up of energy, fats, protein and minerals that are needed by children who suffer from severe malnutrition. It is the first phase of a feeding regime that helps the body recover from the shock of malnutrition and conditions it to digest food.
2. Ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) - lifesaving peanut paste!
It’s an energy-dense, micronutrient paste made using peanuts, sugar, milk powder, oil, vitamins and minerals that has helped treat millions of children. RUTF comes in a one-dose foil sachet, has a shelf life of two years and doesn’t require refrigeration, even after opening. It doesn’t require preparation and doesn’t need to be mixed with water, reducing the risk of children consuming contaminated water. Each packet comes ready to use.
And best of all, children like it!
UNICEF procures, purchases and distributes almost 80% of the world’s RUTF supply!
3. Mid-Upper Arm Circumference Tape (MUAC) - simple tool to detect severe malnutrition!
The MUAC test uses a tape to measure the circumference of a child’s arm with red, yellow and green indicators that can determine if they are malnourished. It can help us save lives begins with prevention and screening. The 3 colours are simple but effective codes to inform us of a child’s health and guide us as to when it is time to provide support to save a malnourished child on the brink of death:
Red = In danger
Yellow = At risk
Green = Healthy
UNICEF's Response
UNICEF works to prevent all forms of malnutrition by improving children’s and women’s access to nutritious, safe, affordable and sustainable diets. We support quality nutrition, health, water and sanitation, and social protection services that keep children well nourished. We also promote optimal feeding, hygiene and care practices for children and women.
In 2021, UNICEF implemented nutrition programmes in 120 countries, with the support of 748 staff members. These country-driven programmes aimed to improve maternal and child nutrition at key moments throughout the life course, from early childhood to middle childhood and adolescence, and during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
With the support of global thematic partners, UNICEF achieved the following headline results in 2021:
• 335.9 million children were reached with services to prevent stunting and other forms of malnutrition (a 38% increase from 2020)
• 67.4 million adolescents benefited from services and support to prevent anaemia and other forms of malnutrition (a 90% increase from 2020)
• 150 million children were screened for wasting (a 9% increase from 2020) and
• 5.4 million children received treatment for life-threatening wasting (a 10% increase from 2020)
Nutrition lays the foundation for immunity and health. Not investing in nutrition could leave countries vulnerable to future shocks and health crises. Investing in the prevention, early detection and treatment of malnutrition are critical. Every child has the right to nutrition. By donating RM50 you can help us to deliver 35 cans of therapeutic milk to save the lives of vulnerable children. Help protect every child’s right to nutrition. Take action today!
