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Children's Malnutrition Amidst War and Poverty
Article by – Dr. Moe Thit Nay (Ayeyarwaddy Times, September 6) Currently, in Myanmar, conflict, displacement, food insecurity, rising commodity prices, limited access to basic healthcare services, and various natural disasters are simultaneously threatening and impacting the daily lives of children. According to UNICEF's 2025 data, over 500,000 children in Myanmar are facing the risk of acute malnutrition. During 2025, UNICEF and partner organizations examined 403,055 children aged 6 months to 5 years and found that 4,757 children were suffering from Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM), requiring emergency treatment. While parents may not typically read these statistics with great interest, this is an investment issue concerning the future generations facing the nation, and it is written for parents and teachers to be aware of. Adequate nutrition is directly linked to a child's physical growth, brain development, immune system, learning ability, and their entire future life. Children who grow up with poor health due to malnutrition will not be healthy and robust in adulthood. Therefore, the problem of child malnutrition cannot be postponed and neglected; it is a critical national health challenge that requires timely action. Malnutrition Malnutrition does not simply mean "not eating." According to the World Health Organization (WHO) definition, Malnutrition primarily includes the following: - Wasting: A child is too thin for their height. - Stunting: A child is too short for their age. - Underweight: A child is too thin for their age. - Micronutrient Deficiencies: Lack of vitamins and minerals. Especially in children, malnutrition can lead to easy susceptibility to infectious diseases, and in severe cases, can be life-threatening. Wasting (Sudden Thinning/Emaciation in Children) Wasting refers to a child's weight being excessively low compared to their height. It is caused by factors such as insufficient food, lack of nutrient intake, frequent diarrhea, fever, infectious diseases, and starvation. A child suffering from wasting is not just "thin." Especially when it progresses to Severe Wasting, the risk to life increases significantly, making early screening and treatment crucial. Noticeable weight loss, sagging skin on arms, legs, and buttocks, weakness and reduced activity, loss of appetite and irritability, frequent fevers, diarrhea, and failure to regain weight after illness are signs to watch out for. Stunting (Failure to Grow in Height/Stunted Growth) Stunting refers to a child not growing in height according to their age. This does not happen suddenly within a day or a week but develops over a long period due to early childhood malnutrition, frequent illnesses, unhygienic environments, and improper feeding practices. Stunting is not just about being short; it also has long-term effects on a child's physical and cognitive/intellectual development, potentially impairing their reasoning abilities. Therefore, one should not easily dismiss it as "the child is just short." It is especially necessary to regularly measure and monitor children's weight and height according to their age. Micronutrient Deficiency (Lack of Vitamins and Minerals) Another crucial aspect of malnutrition is Micronutrient Deficiency, which I would define as "hidden hunger" – something that cannot be seen and is concealed. A child may eat enough rice to feel full, but may still lack essential vitamins and minerals such as Iron, Vitamin A, Iodine, and Zinc. In conflict-affected areas, deficiencies in these nutrients are more likely to occur. Iron deficiency can lead to anemia, causing paleness, fatigue, weakness, reduced concentration, and learning difficulties. Vitamin A deficiency can affect immunity and eye health, increasing the risk of infections in children. Iodine deficiency can impact brain development and learning ability. Therefore, a child eating rice does not necessarily mean they are well-nourished. Why is the risk increasing for children in Myanmar? Malnutrition is not solely caused by parents "not knowing how to feed" their children. It is a combination of factors including military conflict, economic hardship, and a decrease in humanitarian aid. Due to conflict, displacement from homes, loss of income, rising food prices, and limited access to healthcare services, the burden of malnutrition on children is becoming increasingly severe. Conflict leads to displacement. Not only is income lost due to lack of employment, but rising food prices are also faced. Children cannot afford nutritious food, and with limited access to healthcare services, they are prone to illnesses, adding malnutrition as another burden. It can be said that the negative consequences cycle through the eras. UNICEF also strongly states that conflict, economic difficulties, displacement, natural disasters, and the impact on basic healthcare services in Myanmar are severely affecting children's nutrition and health. For families facing financial difficulties, achieving adequate nutrition does not always mean buying expensive foods. It is important to provide a variety of foods from locally available options. Foods that provide protein include eggs, fish, meat, various beans, tofu, and dairy products.
Article by – Dr. Moe Thit Nay (Ayeyarwaddy Times, September 6) Currently, in Myanmar, conflict, displacement, food insecurity, rising commodity prices, limited access to basic healthcare services, and various natural disasters are simultaneously threatening and impacting the daily lives of children. According to UNICEF's 2025 data, over 500,000 children in Myanmar are facing the risk of acute malnutrition. During 2025, UNICEF and partner organizations examined 403,055 children aged 6 months to 5 years and found that 4,757 children were suffering from Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM), requiring emergency treatment. While parents may not typically read these statistics with great interest, this is an investment issue concerning the future generations facing the nation, and it is written for parents and teachers to be aware of. Adequate nutrition is directly linked to a child's physical growth, brain development, immune system, learning ability, and their entire future life. Children who grow up with poor health due to malnutrition will not be healthy and robust in adulthood. Therefore, the problem of child malnutrition cannot be postponed and neglected; it is a critical national health challenge that requires timely action. Malnutrition Malnutrition does not simply mean "not eating." According to the World Health Organization (WHO) definition, Malnutrition primarily includes the following: - Wasting: A child is too thin for their height. - Stunting: A child is too short for their age. - Underweight: A child is too thin for their age. - Micronutrient Deficiencies: Lack of vitamins and minerals. Especially in children, malnutrition can lead to easy susceptibility to infectious diseases, and in severe cases, can be life-threatening. Wasting (Sudden Thinning/Emaciation in Children) Wasting refers to a child's weight being excessively low compared to their height. It is caused by factors such as insufficient food, lack of nutrient intake, frequent diarrhea, fever, infectious diseases, and starvation. A child suffering from wasting is not just "thin." Especially when it progresses to Severe Wasting, the risk to life increases significantly, making early screening and treatment crucial. Noticeable weight loss, sagging skin on arms, legs, and buttocks, weakness and reduced activity, loss of appetite and irritability, frequent fevers, diarrhea, and failure to regain weight after illness are signs to watch out for. Stunting (Failure to Grow in Height/Stunted Growth) Stunting refers to a child not growing in height according to their age. This does not happen suddenly within a day or a week but develops over a long period due to early childhood malnutrition, frequent illnesses, unhygienic environments, and improper feeding practices. Stunting is not just about being short; it also has long-term effects on a child's physical and cognitive/intellectual development, potentially impairing their reasoning abilities. Therefore, one should not easily dismiss it as "the child is just short." It is especially necessary to regularly measure and monitor children's weight and height according to their age. Micronutrient Deficiency (Lack of Vitamins and Minerals) Another crucial aspect of malnutrition is Micronutrient Deficiency, which I would define as "hidden hunger" – something that cannot be seen and is concealed. A child may eat enough rice to feel full, but may still lack essential vitamins and minerals such as Iron, Vitamin A, Iodine, and Zinc. In conflict-affected areas, deficiencies in these nutrients are more likely to occur. Iron deficiency can lead to anemia, causing paleness, fatigue, weakness, reduced concentration, and learning difficulties. Vitamin A deficiency can affect immunity and eye health, increasing the risk of infections in children. Iodine deficiency can impact brain development and learning ability. Therefore, a child eating rice does not necessarily mean they are well-nourished. Why is the risk increasing for children in Myanmar? Malnutrition is not solely caused by parents "not knowing how to feed" their children. It is a combination of factors including military conflict, economic hardship, and a decrease in humanitarian aid. Due to conflict, displacement from homes, loss of income, rising food prices, and limited access to healthcare services, the burden of malnutrition on children is becoming increasingly severe. Conflict leads to displacement. Not only is income lost due to lack of employment, but rising food prices are also faced. Children cannot afford nutritious food, and with limited access to healthcare services, they are prone to illnesses, adding malnutrition as another burden. It can be said that the negative consequences cycle through the eras. UNICEF also strongly states that conflict, economic difficulties, displacement, natural disasters, and the impact on basic healthcare services in Myanmar are severely affecting children's nutrition and health. For families facing financial difficulties, achieving adequate nutrition does not always mean buying expensive foods. It is important to provide a variety of foods from locally available options. Foods that provide protein include eggs, fish, meat, various beans, tofu, and dairy products.
Original source
Ayeyarwaddy Times