Impact of Malnutrition on Child Health Development in Kenya

Malnutrition has a significant impact on child health and development in Kenya, particularly among children under the age of five.

Jul 12, 2024 - 13:05
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Impact of Malnutrition on Child Health Development in Kenya
Nutritious food

By Thomas Opiyo

What is malnutrition? Malnutrition refers to deficiencies, excesses, or imbalances in a person’s intake of energy and/or nutrients.

It encompasses two broad groups of conditions: undernutrition, which includes stunting, wasting, underweight, and micronutrient deficiencies; and overweight, obesity, and diet-related noncommunicable diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer.

Undernutrition is a deficiency of nutrients that can lead to visible wasting of fat and muscle or be invisible.

It can result from a lack of adequate diet or issues with nutrient absorption.

Overnutrition involves an excess of nutrients that can cause health problems like overweight, obesity, and associated noncommunicable diseases.

Malnutrition can manifest as an imbalance of macronutrients (proteins, carbohydrates, fats) or micronutrients (vitamins and minerals).

 Macronutrient undernutrition affects the body’s energy levels and tissue maintenance while micronutrient undernutrition can have serious health consequences due to deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals.

Both undernutrition and overnutrition can have severe health implications.

Undernourishment may lead to protein-energy deficiency affecting various bodily functions while overconsumption of nutrients can result in chronic inflammation, metabolic disorders, and noncommunicable diseases like diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular issues.

In summary, malnutrition is the state where there are deficiencies, excesses, or imbalances in the intake of energy and nutrients that can lead to various health problems ranging from undernourishment to overconsumption-related issues.

Malnutrition in Kenya: Malnutrition has a significant impact on child health and development in Kenya, particularly among children under the age of five.

More than a quarter of children in this age group suffer from stunted growth, with rates as high as 46% in certain counties like Kitui and West Pokot.

Stunting, which is the most common form of under-nutrition among young children, can have devastating long-term effects on both mental and physical development.

Additionally, 11% of children are underweight, and 4% are wasted, with wasting being linked to increased preventable deaths among young children.

Effects of Malnutrition in Kenya Malnutrition, especially among children, has significant and far-reaching effects in Kenya.

The situation in the country is concerning, with more than a quarter of children under the age of five experiencing stunted growth.

Stunting, which is the most common form of under-nutrition among young children, can have devastating long-term consequences on both mental and physical development if not addressed promptly.

Additionally, 11% of children are underweight, and 4% are wasted.

Wasting and severe wasting are particularly dangerous as they are linked to increased and preventable deaths among young children.

Impact on Growth and Development: One of the primary effects of malnutrition in Kenya is stunted growth among children under five years old.

Stunting not only affects physical stature but also hampers cognitive development and overall health.

Children who experience stunting due to malnutrition may face lifelong challenges in terms of learning abilities, productivity, and overall well-being.

Increased Mortality Risk: Children who are malnourished, especially those suffering from severe acute malnutrition like wasting, face a significantly higher risk of mortality.

Malnutrition weakens the immune system, making affected children more susceptible to infections and diseases that can be fatal if not treated promptly.

Long-Term Health Implications: Malnutrition during early childhood can have long-lasting health implications that extend into adulthood.

It can increase the risk of chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and obesity later in life.

The effects of malnutrition can perpetuate cycles of poverty and ill-health within communities.

Educational Impact: Malnourished children often struggle academically due to cognitive impairments caused by inadequate nutrition.

This can lead to lower educational attainment levels, reduced earning potential in adulthood, and limited opportunities for socioeconomic advancement.

Economic Burden: The economic burden of malnutrition is substantial for both individuals and the country as a whole.

Productivity losses due to malnutrition-related illnesses and disabilities can hinder economic growth and development.

Additionally, healthcare costs associated with treating malnutrition-related complications strain already limited resources.

In conclusion, the effects of malnutrition in Kenya are multifaceted and profound, impacting not only individual health but also societal well-being and economic progress.

About the Author: Thomas Opiyo Okumu is currently the Chief Executive Officer at The Heart to Action Organization.

He also serves as the President of Global Empowerment Christian Center and the Executive Director of Eltofam Foundation.

He holds a Bachelor of Development Studies from Mount Kenya University, and a Master of Arts in International Development Studies (with concentration on Health and Development) from Ohio University, USA.

He can be reached at opiyothomas@gmail.com

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