Over 77 million children in MENA experience malnutrition – UNICEF
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – UNICEF said on Monday over 77 million children and teenagers are experiencing malnutrition in the Middle East and North Africa.
According to a report released by UNICEF, over 77 million children, about one in three children, in the MENA region suffer from some form of malnutrition.
“The Middle East and North Africa region is confronting an increasingly complex triple burden of malnutrition that is undermining the growth, development and future potential of its children,” said UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa Adele Khodr.
The report highlighted that 55 million of these children are overweight or obese, and this issue is increasing among school-aged children across all 20 countries in MENA.
Additionally, one in three school-aged children and adolescents are affected by overweight and obesity.
“Just one-third of young children are receiving the nutritious foods they need to grow, develop and thrive. This is a shocking statistic in 2024 and risks becoming even worse as conflicts, crises and other challenges in our region persist,” Khodr said.
An additional 24 million children who are undernourished, face issues like stunting, wasting, and thinness, according to the report.
UNICEF urged governments to make nutrition a top priority in their national development plans, policies, and budgets.