Nutrition
Giving children a fair start in life
The challenge
In Papua New Guinea, almost half of all children under the age of five (700,000) are stunted, or shorter than average for their age. Stunting —chronic malnutrition that causes reduced growth and development— has long-term and irreversible consequences for children’s survival and development because of its effects on brain development and learning. The main cause of stunting in the country is that mothers and young children are not getting the right nutrition. The malnutrition problem in the country is made worse by a lack of essential vitamins and minerals, and the increasing issues of overweight and obesity.
The high rate of malnutrition is a major cause of illness and deaths in children under five and remains a serious, ongoing problem that the country has struggled to address for years.
The solution
UNICEF partners with the Papua New Guinea Government to tackle nutrition problems by making sure nutrition services are available at health facilities, schools, and in communities. UNICEF's nutrition program aims to reach more children under 5, school-age kids, teenagers, and women of child-bearing age with effective nutrition support. We support the delivery of high-quality, impactful nutrition interventions that are crucial for achieving the best nutrition outcomes, both in emergency and regular situations. We also promote improved nutrition practices by helping children, adolescents and parents learn and practice positive nutrition behaviors and practices that contribute to their health and nutritional wellbeing. Finally, we ensure lifesaving treatment is available for children suffering from wasting, which is when a child is dangerously thin for their height due to severe malnutrition.
