It’s a fact, no country in the world is spared anymore. Malnutrition has spread across the globe like a trail of shooting stars. If in some countries local associations fight every day against this scourge of life, in other countries, only international aid is capable of helping populations not to suffer from hunger. This is the case in Nepal, where non-governmental organizations and foundations come together to assist the population and provide them with what they need to meet their basic needs.

Malnutrition encompasses both extremes: undernutrition (lack of food) and obesity (excess of food), however, in common language, it is most often associated with undernutrition. In both cases, there is an imbalance between energy intake (calories consumed) and energy expenditure. This results in deficiencies that can sometimes be fatal. Today, we observe an increase in cases of malnutrition and obesity among children; it is even possible to find cases of undernutrition and overweight within the same household. However, the rate of child malnutrition remains the highest.

In Nepal, out of the 28 million inhabitants, 1.4 million people suffer from food insecurity, and 25% of the population lives below the poverty line with less than $0.5 per day. The urgency in Nepal is known to all; this small country wedged between the two largest powers in Asia is subject to natural disasters such as earthquakes or monsoons, which are intensifying due to climate change. Moreover, due to its very mountainous geography, agricultural land in Nepal can represent no more than 20% of the country’s surface area. This is insufficient to feed a rapidly growing population.

Due to a lack of resources, the populations cannot afford to buy highly nutritious foods like fruits and vegetables or fish. The majority settle for just one type of food (often rice), which leads to deficiencies in nutrients and micronutrients. Malnutrition, among other things, causes stunted growth in children with irreversible complications such as blindness due to a lack of vitamin A. To prevent these deficiencies, products such as infant formula supplemented with micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) or peanut paste are distributed in the most affected areas. By making a donation to an association or foundation like the Maïa Baudelaire Foundation, you too can help eliminate this scourge from the planet.

Malnutrition also has an impact on the country’s economy and its development. A delay in cognitive functions, stunted growth, and increased hospital expenses create a vicious cycle where it is difficult to escape poverty. A malnourished child is more likely to drop out of school, fall ill, and ultimately become trapped in the cycle of poverty. Adequate nutrition and the provision of advice and information to the most disadvantaged populations can change the game in a generation.

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