Malnutrition: Endable but Continuing In Fragile Countries

Malnutrition continues to be a severe problem in many poor and fragile countries despite the economic payoffs for fixing it, according to economists at the Copenhagen Consensus Center [Link]. While economic development and poverty reduction are closely linked to improvements in nutrition, progress in these areas often remains slow and uneven in such countries. This is an easy opportunity for positive change because supplement pills with needed nutrients are already being mass-produced at low cost.

There are several reasons why malnutrition has not been decreasing as expected in poor and fragile countries:

1. Limited resources: Poor and fragile countries often lack the financial and human resources necessary to effectively tackle malnutrition. Limited government budgets, weak infrastructure, and inadequate access to healthcare make it difficult to implement comprehensive strategies for addressing malnutrition.

2. Conflicts and instability: Many poor and fragile countries experience political instability, civil unrest, or even armed conflicts, which further exacerbate malnutrition. These situations disrupt food production, distribution, and healthcare systems, making it even harder to address malnutrition in affected populations.

3. Lack of education and awareness: In some cases, malnutrition persists due to a lack of education and awareness about proper nutrition and its long-term consequences. Many people in poor and fragile countries may not have access to basic information about nutrition or may rely on cultural practices that do not prioritize adequate food intake and balanced diets.

4. Inadequate agricultural systems: Poor and fragile countries often have underdeveloped agricultural sectors, characterized by low productivity, lack of access to markets, and reliance on traditional farming methods. This limits the availability of diverse and nutrient-rich foods, contributing to malnutrition.

5. Inequitable distribution of wealth: Malnutrition is often linked to poverty and income inequality. In poor and fragile countries, wealth and resources tend to be concentrated among a privileged few, leaving the majority of the population with limited access to food and healthcare services.

Addressing malnutrition in poor and fragile countries requires a multi-faceted approach that goes beyond economic payoffs. It demands investments in healthcare infrastructure, education, agricultural development, social safety nets, and political stability. Additionally, addressing the underlying causes of poverty and inequality is crucial for sustainable improvements in nutrition outcomes.

International efforts, such as foreign aid, targeted interventions, and partnerships between governments, non-governmental organizations, and businesses, can play a crucial role in supporting these countries’ efforts to combat malnutrition. It is essential to recognize that solving the problem of malnutrition in poor and fragile countries requires a long-term commitment and coordinated action at multiple levels.

25 Most Malnurished Countries (2020)

It is important to note that various factors contribute to malnutrition, including poverty, food availability, dietary habits, and healthcare infrastructure. However, based on data from the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2020, which measures hunger and malnutrition levels in countries, here is a list of the top 25 countries facing the most severe levels of malnutrition:

1. Yemen
2. Sudan
3. Central African Republic
4. Chad
5. Zambia
6. Timor-Leste
7. Madagascar
8. Democratic Republic of the Congo
9. Afghanistan
10. Sierra Leone
11. Niger
12. Haiti
13. Mozambique
14. Guinea-Bissau
15. Ethiopia
16. Tajikistan
17. Bangladesh
18. Liberia
19. Burundi
20. Rwanda
21. Eritrea
22. Comoros
23. Malawi
24. Myanmar (Burma)
25. Angola

Please note that these rankings are based on recent available data and may vary over time. Monitoring global hunger and taking action to address malnutrition is crucial to achieving food security and sustainable development goals.

25 Most Malnurished Countries (2021)

According to available data from the Global Hunger Index 2021, the top 25 countries with the highest levels of malnutrition no longer included Angola, but conditions worsened in Zimbabwe so much that it jumped from not being in the top 25 the previous year (2020) to being the seventh most malnurished country in 2021.

1. Central African Republic
2. Madagascar
3. Yemen
4. South Sudan
5. Chad
6. Timor-Leste
7. Zimbabwe
8. Sudan
9. Comoros
10. Guinea-Bissau
11. Niger
12. Burkina Faso
13. Ethiopia
14. Democratic Republic of the Congo
15. Afghanistan
16. Sierra Leone
17. Eritrea
18. Liberia
19. Haiti
20. Gambia
21. Mozambique
22. Bangladesh
23. Rwanda
24. Guinea
25. Mali

Please note that the rankings are subject to change as new data becomes available.

25 Most Malnurished Countries (2022)

1. Yemen (famine), Asia
2. Central African Republic, Africa
3. Madagascar, Africa
4. DR Congo
5. Chad (famine), Africa
6. Burundi, Africa
7. Somalia (famine), Africa
8. South Sudan, Africa
9. Syria (famine), Asia
10. Haiti, North America
11. Niger, Africa
12. Lesotho, Africa
13. Liberia, Africa
14. Sierra Leone, Africa
15. Guinea-Bissau, Africa
16. East Timor, Asia
17. Afghanistan, Asia
18. Zambia, Africa
19. India (famine)
20. Sudan (famine), Africa
21. Congo
22. Ethiopia (famine), Africa
23. Nigeria, Africa
24. Rwanda, Africa
25. Comoros, Africa

Yemen, A Case Study in Malnutrition

In trying to understand simply the malnutrition, one might reasonably ask, “Why Yemen?” and “What can be done about it?” and “Why hasn’t it been done?” As of 2021, the estimated population of Yemen is around 30.02 million people. The land area of Yemen is approximately 203,850 square miles adjoining the countries of Saudi Arabia and Oman. The answer as to why there is famine in a country with prime coastline at the edge of the Arabian Sea and the Red Sea is given by various sources as a chronic concoction of conflict, cholera and economic collapse. Yemen has been engulfed in conflict since 2014 when Houthi rebels took control of the capital, Sana’a, and ousted the internationally-recognized government. What can be read on Wikipedia at this time is that military action has destroyed food, fishing boats, and more.

While the conflict is a major driver of Yemen’s malnutrition crisis, it is not the only factor. Other contributing factors include poverty, limited access to healthcare, inadequate sanitation and hygiene practices, and restricted humanitarian access due to logistical challenges and bureaucratic hurdles. In order to fix the situation in Yemen in the long term, a comprehensive and multi-dimensional approach needs to be pursued.

A political resolution to the conflict is crucial, involving all parties and backed by regional and international support. This resolution should aim at establishing an inclusive and representative government that ensures the participation of all factions, regions, and sects, thereby fostering stability and unity in the country.

Addressing the socio-economic factors underlying the conflict is vital. Investments in infrastructure, healthcare, and education should be made to rebuild the country’s devastated economy, create job opportunities, and provide better living conditions for the population. International aid and support should not only focus on immediate humanitarian needs but also extend to long-term development initiatives. Lastly, efforts must be directed towards improving governance, combating corruption, and building strong institutions to ensure accountability and transparency, which will ultimately foster trust among the Yemeni people and contribute to sustainable peace and development.

The sticking point is that “resolution to the conflict is crucial” and at this time in Yemen only a power-sharing arrangement that accommodates the interests and concerns of all national and international parties involved might eventually restore a healthy civilized state.