1.8 million children are acutely malnourished. This means their diet is not providing them with enough calories and protein. Their bodies are thus breaking down their own fat and muscle for nourishment, impairing their organs and weakening their immune systems. Children suffering from acute malnutrition are more susceptible to illness.

400,000 children under five are suffering from severe acute malnutrition. This is the most dangerous form of malnutrition and carries a high risk of death. The body’s vital processes are compromised to the extent that, even if they are treated, the child’s physical and mental development will be adversely affected in the long term.

Severe acute malnutrition can manifest in two ways – severe wasting (the child’s body will be thin, skeletal and almost elderly) and oedema (the child experiences excruciating cramping due to muscle weakness; the child may have skin lesions or thinning hair).

1.1 million pregnant and breastfeeding women are suffering from malnutrition, which has a huge impact on the growth and development of infants and unborn babies.