Malnutrition Crisis: UNICEF reports that 77 million children in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), or one-third of the child population, are suffering from malnutrition due to ongoing regional crises, instability, and rising food prices.
Overweight and Obesity: In addition, 55 million school-aged children and adolescents in MENA are experiencing overweight or obesity, with this issue increasing across all 20 countries in the region.
Undernutrition Issues: The report also highlights that 24 million children are affected by undernutrition, including stunting, wasting, and being underweight, exacerbating the health challenges in the region.
Washington, August 20, 2024 — The United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has issued a stark warning about the critical state of child malnutrition in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). According to a statement released today, the region is facing an alarming crisis affecting millions of children, driven by ongoing regional conflicts, political instability, climate change, and rising food prices.
UNICEF's statement underscores the severity of the situation, revealing that 77 million children in MENA, which represents one-third of the child population in the region, are suffering from malnutrition. This statistic highlights a profound crisis, with many children experiencing severe health and developmental risks due to inadequate nutrition.
The report further details that among school-aged children and adolescents, 55 million—equivalent to one-third of this demographic—are grappling with issues related to overweight and obesity. This troubling trend is evident across all 20 countries in the MENA region. These conditions are increasingly prevalent, posing significant health risks and contributing to the growing public health challenge in the region.
Additionally, UNICEF highlights that 24 million children in MENA are affected by undernutrition. This includes various forms of malnutrition such as stunting (impaired growth and development), wasting (severe weight loss), and being underweight. The prevalence of these conditions exacerbates the challenges faced by the most vulnerable populations in the region.
UNICEF's statement emphasizes that the ongoing crises in the MENA region are exacerbating these nutritional challenges. The combination of political instability, ongoing conflicts, environmental changes, and economic pressures, including soaring food prices, are creating a perfect storm that threatens the health and well-being of millions of children.
The organization warns that immediate and substantial action is required to address this crisis. It calls for increased humanitarian assistance, sustainable development initiatives, and international cooperation to mitigate the impacts of malnutrition and improve the overall health and future prospects of children in the region.
In summary, UNICEF's report sheds light on a grave humanitarian issue in the Middle East and North Africa, urging the global community to respond to the growing needs of children facing both malnutrition and obesity amidst a backdrop of regional instability and economic hardship.