A third of the world's population is children and a third of those children suffer from malnutrition. The highest rates are found in Yemen and Bangladesh but Guatemala and Honduras are not far behind. This grim issue affects at least 44% of Honduran children.
Protein-energy malnutrition is found in Asia, Latin America, the Near East, and Africa. It is defined as the insufficient intake of both protein and energy.
One of the major causes of malnutrition in a tropical country such as Honduras is infections. Other causes are low calorie intake, and the lack of knowledge of the importance of exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of a child's life.
Also, the premature birth of a child and consequential low birth weight can cause malnutrition. Furthermore, in poor countries such as Honduras, the premature death of a mother could have fatal consequences since her children might not be fed breast milk during their first six months.
It is not always evident that a child is malnourished. In general, malnourished children isolate themselves and tend to stay in one single position. They are easily irritated and often have a sad expression on their face. Oddly enough, they do not have much appetite.
This evil, which can be hard to detect and kills without prior notice, exposes the future inhabitants of our country. Unfortunately, this social catastrophe has too many variables, too many social components, for it to be easily addressed, especially since there often seems to be little or no will to work for the future of our country.
Poverty currently affects some 71% of Honduras' inhabitants, according to UN reports.
