Malnutrition

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Introduction

Malnutrition is a global challenge in low-income and middle-income countries particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and south Asia (Shetty, 2002, Black, et al., 2008). More than ten million children under five years of age die annually worldwide and percentage of child deaths in sub-Saharan Africa is approximately 41% and another 34% in south Asia (Black, et al., 2003). It was estimated that more than 50% of these child deaths could be attributed to the potentiating effects of malnutrition in infectious disease such as diarrhoea, pneumonia, malaria, tuberculosis, and other infections (Rice, et al., 2000, Caulfield, et al., 2004).

As a result of essential nutrient deficiencies in the daily diet as well as the impact of recurrent infections malnutrition is a major contributor to the global burden of disease especially in children under five years of age (Black, et al., 2008). The high prevalence of illness and child deaths associated with chronic and recurrent infections in third world countries contributes largely to poor nutrition there (Rice, et al., 2000, Caulfield, et al., 2004). Aspects involved in the aetiology of numerous deficiency diseases depend on the interaction between social, demographic, genetic, infectious and societal conditions (Manary & Solomons, 2004, Black, et al., 2008).

Poverty is the main determinant of malnutrition in these communities (Sachs & McArthur, 2005). It is well known that the political situation and poor economic growth, changes in climate conditions as drought or overpopulation cause a scarcity of certain foodstuffs, a high prevalence of infectious diseases, civil conflicts and wars, natural and unnatural disasters contribute to increased malnutrition (Shetty, 2002, Mul...

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...ar colostrum, provides a critical dietary source of vitamin A for infants and young children (Sommer & Davidson, 2002).Besides it is necessary to improve maternal nutrition and vitamin A status in poor societies because breastmilk comes from the mother (Latham, 2010).

Conclusion

As a result of essential nutrient deficiencies in the daily diet, numerous deficiency diseases remain pervasive and damaging conditions in developing world particularly in low income and middle income countries. Malnutrition, clearly, is not a simple problem with a single, simple solution. Multiple and collaborative interventions implant in prevention approaches can be effective because malnutrition has many causes. There is a wide range of sectors and organizations need to determine priorities for resource allocation among nutritional, health care, economic and education policies.

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