13.6 million.
That’s the estimated number of children under the age of 5 who suffer from severe wasting, also known as severe acute malnutrition, which increases children’s risk of death by up to 12 times. It’s caused by a lack of nutritious food and bouts with disease which compromise a child's immunity. Severely malnourished children rely on UNICEF’s efforts like Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), a nutritious treatment that has saved millions.
But the pandemic and disruptions in global markets caused by the war in Ukraine have sent food prices soaring, heightening the risk of severe wasting and increasing RUTF costs.
The Russian Federation and Ukraine are among the world’s top agricultural producers and exporters. Their supply lines are blocked. Costs are rising. And the already elevated malnutrition crisis is worsening. That’s why UNICEF has issued a Global Child Alert to call for action that increases funding for treatment of wasting, prioritizes children’s needs and addresses the global food crisis. Read the Child Alert and learn about the plan to act. |
The war in Ukraine is exacerbating a spiraling global food crisis that stretches from Afghanistan to the Horn of Africa, especially in countries grappling with existing food insecurity and economic fragility. Now children in places where the risk of child mortality was already the highest are in greater danger of experiencing wasting.
Ending global hunger and malnutrition won't happen overnight, but there is plenty we can do to prevent unnecessary deaths and ensure children thrive. Sign up for SMS alerts for chances to support children >>
Thank you for helping every child,
UNICEF USA
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