Study: malnutrition linked to pandemic could cause 168,000 child deaths

Find out how Children Believe is helping those most in need

Ten months into the pandemic, COVID-19 poses a greater threat to the health of millions than many may realize. A study from Standing Together for Nutrition — a group of nutrition, economics, food and health experts — predicts nearly 12 million additional children will suffer from malnutrition.

“Women who are pregnant now will deliver children who are already malnourished at birth, and these children are disadvantaged from the very start,” explains Saskia Osendarp, lead researcher on the study and executive director of Micronutrient Forum, a U.S.-based leader in scientific knowledge. 

Before the pandemic, the world was already falling behind global goals to eliminate hunger and malnutrition by 2030. Now, as COVID-19 causes more undernourishment in low- to middle-income countries, 168,000 child deaths and 2.6-million stunted children are predicted by 2022, according to the study.

Children Believe has been working with local partners and community leaders to provide food rations and cash vouchers to families of sponsored children as well as the most vulnerable community members in areas where we work. We’re also helping many access government support and education to build a brighter future.

You can provide help where it’s needed most. Visit our Gifts for Good catalogue to donate today.

About Children Believe

Children Believe works globally to empower children to dream fearlessly, stand up for what they believe in — and be heard. For 60+ years, we’ve brought together brave young dreamers, caring supporters and partners, and unabashed idealists. Together, we’re driven by a common belief: creating access to education — inside and outside of classrooms — is the most powerful tool children can use to change their world.

About Childfund Alliance

A member of ChildFund Alliance, Children Believe is part of a global network of child-focused development organizations working to create opportunities for children and youth, their families and communities. ChildFund helps nearly 23-million children and their families in 70 countries overcome poverty and underlying conditions that prevent children from achieving their full potential. We work to end violence against children; provide expertise in emergencies and disasters to ease the harmful impact on children and their communities; and engage children and youth to create lasting change and elevate their voices in decisions that affect their lives.

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