Distinctions

The Hunger Project Online Briefing Program The Persistence of Hunger in South Asia Page 4 of 29

Gandhi Quote

Malnutrition is a dangerous form of hunger, which is responsible for more than two-thirds of under five deaths in South Asia.  As we will see here - and in coming units - malnutrition in South Asia is a vicious cycle, which is closely linked to the condition of women throughout their lives.

• Malnutrition occurs when people do not eat enough of certain nutrients which are necessary for good health.

• It is distinct from undernutrition, which occurs when people do not eat enough calories and proteins, as well as nutrients.

• Malnutrition itself is particularly dangerous because it is linked to other diseases.

• It can bring on infectious diseases, as well as worsen common illnesses, such as diarrhea.

• Even mild malnutrition - when linked to other diseases - can bring on death.

• Malnutrition is implicated in more than half of all child deaths worldwide, and more than two-thirds in South Asia.

Half of South Asia’s children are malnourished. Its proportion of malnourished children under 5 is almost three times higher than the rest of the developing world. Bangladesh, India and Pakistan together are home to one-half of the world's malnourished children. Overall, 60% of South Asian women of childbearing age are underweight, and malnourished. Malnutrition among mothers has dire consequences for their children. Experts agree that when mothers are sick and malnourished, their children's physical, mental and social development is at stake. Malnutrition takes a great toll on society. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies cost India together with Bangladesh $18 billion in 1995 alone. This represents the cost of lost lives, disability and productivity from people who would otherwise have been healthy.

• Micronutrient malnutrition occurs when people lack certain vitamins and minerals that they need to live a healthy life.

• The three micronutrients that have the greatest effect on health and well-being are vitamin A, iron, and iodine.

• Vitamin A: Vitamin A deficiency can cause blindness, impair the immune system, and reduce child resistance to diarrhea and measles.

• Mothers who lack vitamin A have a greater risk of dying in child birth.

• Iron: Iron deficiency - often called iron deficiency anemia - impairs immunity, and can cause considerable brain damage.

• In mothers, iron deficiency leads directly to poor health and low birthweights of children. 88% of pregnant women in India and 53% in Bangladesh are anemic.

• Iodine: Iodine deficiency can cause brain damage and mental retardation.

• In an expectant mother, iodine deficiency can produce mental retardation in her child.

• Malabsorbtive hunger occurs when there are parasites in a person's body, which deplete the person's food of its nutritional value.

• Studies show that up to 20% or more of a person's food may be absorbed by parasites.

• Parasites live in places where there is contaminated water, bad sanitation, lack of environmental hygiene, and almost a complete absence of medical care.

Distinctions

The Hunger Project Online Briefing Program The Persistence of Hunger in South Asia Page 4 of 29

Gandhi Quote