Why child nutrition is critical in accelerating development

A country’s primary healthcare and its economy are inseparable. A robust economy is founded upon the health of the nation. Children’s health is especially critical. You know how the nation will be tomorrow by looking at its children. In this respect, the importance of properly feeding the child as a key component of primary healthcare cannot be overstated. Nutrition directly shapes the child’s health and his or her future productivity. Undernourished children are susceptible to infection and disease. Beyond this, poor nutrition also impairs the child’s mental and physical development and future abilities. Stunted children are less likely to fulfil their cognitive potential as adults.

The consequences of malnutrition for the individual child can be cumulatively devastating for the whole nation. The 2019 Cost of Hunger in Africa study by the African Union Commission shows that in 2014 alone, over Sh370 billion were lost as a result of child undernutrition. That is equivalent to seven per cent of Kenya’s GDP.