Malnutrition is a condition of deficiency, excess, or imbalance in a person’s energy or nutritional intake. It is a physiological state resulting from overnutrition or undernutrition. Malnutrition is characterized by the absence of proteins in the blood necessary for the proper functioning of the human body. There are two types of malnutrition:
Different Forms of Malnutrition:
• Acute Malnutrition: Characterized by significant weight or height loss. It develops rapidly and, if not addressed promptly, can lead to death.
• Chronic Malnutrition: Characterized by growth retardation. It often results from poor quality of food consumed rather than the quantity. It is not treatable, making prevention crucial.
Causes of Malnutrition:
Major factors include poverty, lack of access to clean water, sanitation, medical care, education, and adequate food. Over 20 million children worldwide suffer from malnutrition. It is detected by evaluating the weight-to-height ratio.
Preventive Measures:
To prevent malnutrition, it is important to consume a balanced diet that includes sugars, oils, proteins, minerals, carbohydrates, and vitamins. All these nutrients must be well-balanced to ensure adequate nutrition and prevent protein deficiencies leading to malnutrition.
Dr. Mbary Siolo Mada Bebelou, Head of the Nutrition and Food Hygiene Service at the Primary Health Care Directorate of the Ministry of Public Health, explains the difference between the two characteristics of malnutrition: “The symptoms of the nutrition-related disease commonly known as ‘kwashiorkor’ are more prevalent among children due to a lack of protein in their diets. In adults, this disease often occurs as a result of chronic illnesses such as HIV/AIDS and is characterized by swelling of the feet.”
Several Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in the Central African Republic working in food security are addressing malnutrition through various health centers in Bangui and across the country by distributing products (spirulina, nutritious pasta sachets composed of oil, milk, sugar, vitamins, minerals, and peanuts) to balance diets and reduce malnutrition rates in the country.
By Marie-Paule Vopiade / Romaric Gbomandji / AFC
This article is part of the AFC-Internews partnership funded by USAID. However, the content does not engage the responsibility of the partner.
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