Call for extra malnutrition funding

30 May 2013

Ministers should increase funding to help tackle malnutrition in children, a charity said after a report found that poor diets are causing disability in tens of millions of children worldwide.

Unicef said that malnutrition is the "hidden cause and effect" of disability in many children.

The charity's annual State of the World's Children report says that poor diets may lead to physical and intellectual disabilities.

And the research also demonstrates that disabled infants are also at a higher risk of malnutrition.

It is estimated that about 165 million children around the world are "chronically malnourished", the children's charity said.

Next week, ministers are to host a Nutrition for Growth event in London to focus on nutrition in some of the world's poorest countries.

"The connections between malnutrition and disability are yet another reason for the UK Government to commit to investing in ending hunger at the Nutrition Summit on June 8," said David Bull, executive director of Unicef UK.

"Proven, low-cost solutions can treat malnutrition in all children and they can also reduce their risk of developing conditions that can lead to serious disabilities.

"Sadly for children in some of the world's poorest countries lack of nutrition can have serious long-term physical and mental effects. We need to fight discrimination to make sure all children, including those with disabilities, receive the care they need to develop and fulfil their potential."

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