Malnutrition in Nepal

Nepal is a country where 45% of the population lives under the poverty line.  A large section of the population who lives in the rural area are affected by malnutrition and other health issues.  Nepal is also the center of natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, and landslides, so it became more difficult for the country to recover. Nepal has a major issue of micronutrient deficiency in children under 5 and pregnant women. In Nepal 35% of reproductive women are anemic and 50% of children under 3- face impaired growth issues.

Governmental and Non- governmental organization efforts to solve this kind of problem are huge and SBB supports the local charities with the volunteer task force and guidance in operation:

• NGOs organize communicational programs that aware people about family planning, contraceptive methods use, and safe motherhood practices
• WHO supports the country to improve health care.
• NGOs receive technical support and guidance from various international organizations.
• Food distribution is a common charity to ensure the min food is provided for people.

From 1996 to now Nepal has given attention to malnutrition of children. Now 96% child eat iodized salt and many more improvements have been done through these years. But the government still needs to work on it and they are trying their best. They are targeting the first 1000 days of child and promoting diet for pregnant women, iodized salt for children, providing Vitamin A for children. UNICEF also helps the government in this mission. They also provide emergency nutrition and health care.

What are the reasons for malnutrition in Nepal?

Poor early childcare. The first 1000 days of a child are very important but many families can’t afford to care much about pregnant women’s health and diet. Parents lack in giving much importance to breastfeeding which causes malnutrition. Governments and private organizations are aware of breastfeeding challenges in Nepal and this is a field SBB assists with community education and healthcare support.

If you are a nutritionist or healthcare specialist, join our Nepal volunteer program to bring a change with your knowledge. Apply now!