Economic Hardship: Children At Risk Of Low Immune System, Stunted Growth – Expert Warns

• Says Children Exposed To Morbidity, Mortality

THE lingering economic hardship is a potential threat to the growth of children, an expert has warned. 

Osun State Nutrition Officer, Mrs Rasheedat Popoola, stated that inflation and low purchasing power of the people have resulted in inadequate nutritional diet for some infants and young children. 

According to Popoola, foods that will give children adequate nutrients for their growth are no longer affordable to parents and caregivers. 

The expert, who spoke in an exclusive interview with OSUN DEFENDER yesterday, said many infants and young children are not receiving the nutrition they need to survive and thrive. 

She said as a result of the high food prices, there is a deficiency in essential vitamins and nutrients, such as vitamin A, which weakens children’s immunity, increases the risk of blindness, and can lead to death from common childhood diseases.

READ: Residents Call For Price Regulation Over High Cost Of Food Items In Osun

Popoola implored parents and caregivers of children between 6 – 23 months to prioritise locally available foods and be innovative in their food choices to ensure adequate diets for their children.

The expert said: “Children need the right foods at the right time to grow and develop to their full potential. What, when, and how children eat is more important before age two than at any other time in life. Yet, today, many infants and young children are not receiving the nutrition they need to survive and thrive.

“Meeting children’s nutrient needs in early life can be challenging, and many parents face barriers to securing enough nutritious, safe, affordable, and age-appropriate food for their children. These challenges are even greater during the present economic hardship.

“The current inflation of food prices has reduced the purchasing power of the people and imposed limited access to nutritious and healthy foods. No matter the amount you have now, it is not enough to buy foodstuffs and other commodities needed. 

“As a result, the caregivers find it difficult to meet up with the child’s minimum dietary diversity. Carbohydrates and other energy-giving foods, fruits and vegetables, and body-building foods such as fish, meat, poultry, and eggs are too costly and most homes cannot afford the minimum acceptable diets. 

“Furthermore, as a result of the high food prices, there is a deficiency in essential vitamins and nutrients, such as vitamin A deficiency, which weakens children’s immunity, increases the risk of blindness, and can lead to death from common childhood diseases like diarrhea; can also lead to poor growth, weight loss, low productivity, and performance, especially in school. 

“Sustained poor diet may have both short-term (wasting) and long-term (stunting) effects on the children. A child that is not well fed is exposed to child morbidity and mortality.

“Children 6-23 months are most affected. They need a healthy and adequate diet to boost their immunity, support healthy growth, cognitive and brain development, also to be productive in life.

“However, parents and caregivers of children 6 – 23 months are implored to prioritise locally available foods and be innovative in the food choices to ensure adequate diets for their children.”