Child Wasting Must Be National Priority
Summary
Severe child wasting remains a deadly but treatable crisis across South Asia, with millions of children affected and urgent calls for governments to integrate nutrition care into primary health systems and disaster response. The article argues that preventing and treating wasting is an investment in human capital, not just welfare.
Key Points
- South Asia accounts for more than half of the world’s 24.4 million wasted children, making severe wasting a major regional survival emergency.
- Severely wasted children are far more likely to die, but early detection and treatment with therapeutic feeding can save lives.
- The response must span health care, nutrition, sanitation, social protection, and disaster preparedness rather than rely on a single ministry.
- UNICEF and other partners are urged to support national systems, while community health workers remain critical for screening and follow-up.
