10 Facts about Children and Hunger

1. One in four of the world’s children are stunted, because of malnutrition
2. Malnutrition is an underlying cause of the death of 2.6 million children each year – one-third of the global total of children’s deaths
3. If a child becomes malnourished in the womb or before the age of two the damage can beirreparable
4. As the world is focussed on the financial crisis, a hidden crisis of child malnutrition is threatening children’s lives
5. Change is possible. Brazil has made impressive improvements in the nutrition of its population.
6. Around 80% of stunted children live in just 20 countries.
7. Solutions are simple. There are 13 direct interventions, such as vitamin A, that are proven to have an impact on the nutrition and health of children and mothers.
8. Improving nutrition is a good investment. Well-nourished children are less prone to diseases and illness and are more able to concentrate at school.
9. Targeting support at pregnant and breastfeeding women, and children under 2, can make a difference.
10. Tackling child malnutrition is the right thing to do. Children shouldn’t be going to bed hungry every night.