Title: Child hunger and malnutrition in developing countries. Testimony of James Kunder, Acting Deputy Administrator, U.S. Agency for International Development, before the Committee on Foreign Relations, U.S. Senate, September 26, 2006.

POPLINE Document Number: 314800

Author(s):

Kunder J

Source citation:

[Unpublished] 2006. [7] p. (USAID Development Experience Clearinghouse DocID / Order No. PD-ACI-037)

Abstract:

Across the world some 10.8 million children under five years of age die every year. Most of these deaths are preventable and almost all occur in poor countries. I recognize the enormous impact of child hunger and malnutrition on future development and as an underlying cause of the deaths of these millions of children. For that reason, I welcome this opportunity to discuss what USAID is doing to reduce this awful and unnecessary blight on the world's future. According to UN estimates, currently, 296 million undernourished children live in the developing world. Other estimates are even higher. For many of these children the damage from hunger and malnutrition can be life-long. Almost all nutritional deficiencies impair immune function and other host defenses leading to a cycle of longer lasting and more severe infections and ever-worsening nutritional status. Hunger leads to physical stunting, lowers intelligence, and increases susceptibility to diseases, dramatically increasing health care costs and severely limiting their full potential to contribute to nation building. USAID programs recognize that well nourished children rarely die from diarrhea and common childhood infections, and maintaining good nutritional status is an integral part of improving child survival. USAID interventions are designed to decrease child and maternal mortality; reduce crippling healthcare costs; and boost intellectual and physical potential and national productivity. (excerpt)

Keywords:

United States
Developing Countries
Progress Report
Evaluation
Government Officials
Policymakers
Children
Child Nutrition
Malnutrition
Nutrition Programs
Vitamins and Minerals
Anemia
Food Supplementation
Foreign Aid
USAID
North America
Americas
Developed Countries
Administrative Personnel
Organization and Administration
Youth
Age Factors
Population Characteristics
Demographic Factors
Population
Nutrition
Health
Nutrition Disorders
Diseases
Primary Health Care
Health Services
Delivery of Health Care
Physiology
Biology
Financial Activities
Economic Factors
Government Agencies
Organizations
Political Factors
Sociocultural Factors