The Stigma of Undernutrition [Archives:2001/08/Health]

Yasser M. Ahmad
Yemen Times
Poverty is a global problem, threatening the safety, security and development of communities. In 1996, the World Food Summit committed itself to half the number of undernourished people by 2015. More than 186 countries pledged to lessen the stigma of undernutrition within their boundaries. During the summit the undernourished were classified according to calories in meals served. Studies show that undernourished people in the advanced countries lack 130 calories while this number is tripled in poor countries. Natural disasters are one of the main causes for the phenomenon of undernutrition.
Statistics estimate that there are about 792 million people in 98 countries who do not get enough nutritious food to be able to carry out their daily routine energetically.
The number of undernourished people must decrease by 20 millions annually, if the goal of the summit is to be achieved. However, this seems no easy task. Since 1990, the number of undernourished people who have been helped has not exceeded 8 million. Despite this, studies are hopeful that the summit’s aim can be achieved once committed efforts are undertaken. These include settling conflicts, achieving peace, utilizing investments to achieve sustainable economic development, developing school nutrition programs, directing agricultural research to improve products, etc.
Women are more affected by undernutrition than men due to the physiological differences between them. Generally, women need a greater quantity of food during pregnancy or breast-feeding. The increase in deaths among newly born babies is sometimes attributed to undernutrition, especially when mothers are young.
A number of international initiatives have been taken to fight this phenomenon. Today, the FAO is the largest specialized UN body involved in the fight to combat undernutrition and improve people’s living standards.
Unfortunately, the resources of the organization are sometimes prone to be misused, specially in developing countries. Conflicts and hard circumstances sometimes make the efficient functioning of these organizations difficult. It is the responsibility of countries, particularly, the developing countries, to ensure the provision of help to the poor. Countries wishing to get rid of undernutrition must cooperate with international organizations by providing them with accurate studies on poverty. If favoritism dominates studies, all efforts to eradicate poverty will be blown away with the wind.
——
[archive-e:08-v:2001-y:2001-d:2001-02-19-p:./2001/iss08/health.htm]