When a child does not receive enough nutritious food, their entire future is at risk. Today, nearly 45 million children under five suffer from acute malnutrition, including more than 12 million from severe acute malnutrition, its most dangerous and potentially fatal form. Worldwide, one in four people face food insecurity.
Malnutrition does not simply mean not having enough to eat. It prevents children from growing, learning and thriving.
When essential nutrients are lacking, children’s bodies weaken, their development slows, and they become more vulnerable to disease.
Help fight hunger
How UNICEF fights hunger and malnutrition
UNICEF works worldwide to ensure that every child has access to adequate nutrition from the very first days of life. Our comprehensive approach combines prevention, early detection, treatment, and resilience.
- Prevention: supporting pregnant and breastfeeding women, promoting balanced diets within families and communities.
- Early detection: regularly screening children to identify risks before it is too late.
- Effective treatment: providing nutrient-rich therapeutic foods (peanut-based paste, therapeutic milk) and strengthening health systems for long-term care.
- Building resilience: improving access to clean water, healthcare, and local food resources so families can withstand climate and economic shocks.
Vietnam: Ensuring nutrition amid chaos
When floods submerged their home in Tuyên Quang Province, Hương and her daughter Thảo (1) were left isolated without electricity or clean water. With limited food supplies, the young mother could no longer breastfeed adequately.
After a rapid assessment by UNICEF and partners, Thảo was diagnosed with moderate acute malnutrition and received therapeutic food to support her recovery.
Somalia: Combating child hunger with therapeutic food
Luul (2) receives ready-to-use therapeutic food at a UNICEF-supported centre. Diagnosed with severe acute malnutrition, she was first stabilised in hospital, where she received therapeutic milk, micronutrients and medical care.
Recent measurements show clear improvement: the treatment is working and she continues to recover.
