Over 50pct of kids not having regular meals, malnutrition rising: Unicef

Children are suffering from malnutrition in the post-Covid-19 pandemic era due to the rising cost of living, said Unicef.

In a report titled "Living On The Edge", the agency found that more than half (52 percent) of the children in the study, which focused on urban areas, ate less than three meals a day.

This is higher than the 45 percent reported during pre-pandemic times.

"This nutritional deficit extends to children in female-headed households and those led by persons with disabilities, highlighting the universality of the challenge," it said.

In highlighting the disproportionate impact of poverty on households led by persons with disabilities, the report indicated that a staggering 50 percent of such households fall below the poverty line.

Moreover, approximately one in three households has been forced to deplete their limited savings, likely due to the lack of substantial government assistance compared to the initial phase of the pandemic.

Alarmingly, around one in three households continue to grapple with reducing their food intake, a stark indicator of the economic hardship they face.

“Other coping mechanisms employed by them include taking on additional work, withdrawing retirement savings from the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), seeking financial assistance from family and friends and selling personal possessions such as mobile phones.

“These desperate measures underscore the significant economic strain experienced by households and the lengths they are willing to go to make ends meet,” the report stated.

Dietary habits

Dietary habits have undergone notable changes, with households resorting to increased consumption of eggs, rice and instant noodles to stretch their budgets.

Approximately seven out of 10 households now report spending more on eggs, recognised as the most affordable protein source, compared to 52 percent during the pandemic.

Similarly, seven out of 10 households also indicate increased spending on rice, compared to four out of 10 during the same period.

“However, the consumption of unhealthy food options has also increased, with 46 percent of households reportedly eating more instant noodles compared to 40 percent recorded during the pandemic.

“These shifts in dietary patterns reflect the adaptive measures taken by households to navigate the challenges posed by the rising cost of living, prioritising affordability over nutritional considerations, which could have long-term health implications,” it stated. - Mkini