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| During economic downturns children suffer greatly from malnutrition |
November 16, 2011: A severe decline in world growth could push some 23 million more people into poverty, according to an International Monetary Fund (IMF) report. At greatest risk are families living in poorer nations, which are only just starting to recover from the economic downturn of two years ago.
The IMF predictions, as reported by AlertNet, highlight the difficulty for poor nations whose national budgets are still feeling the effects of the 2009 downturn and skyrocketing food prices. Aid levels to these countries have dropped because of budget cuts in the United States and Europe. A sharp dip in world trade has also eroded revenue for poor countries as demand for their goods fell.
Poor countries are increasingly turning to China’s burgeoning economy for investment, but according to the IMF the advanced economies of North America and Europe are still key trading partners for the developing world.
The Work of SOS to Protect Poor Children More Important Than Ever
Coupled with further rises in food prices, the very real effects of another economic slowdown on the world’s poor would be devastating, especially for children.
When poor families find themselves unable to afford food, they stop buying more costly items, which tend to be the most nutritious, thus compromising their children’s health. Impoverished parents in developing countries who can no longer afford meat, poultry, fish, and produce will stick to cereals and grains. Though cheaper, such staples don’t provide the minerals and vitamins children need to grow and stay healthy. The resulting micronutrient malnutrition, also called hidden hunger, leads to stunted growth, anemia, blindness, and vulnerability to diarrhea, measles, and other illnesses.
Sadly, SOS is all too familiar with boys and girls suffering from malnutrition, because many of the children brought to SOS Children’s Villages in poor nations arrive malnourished. Fed healthful meals by attentive SOS Mothers, they are gradually nursed back to health. Slowly they learn to smile and to see hope where they had none before.
Help SOS Save Lives, One Child at a Time
As individuals we cannot control the world economy. What we can do is help children in need. Sponsor a child today with SOS Children's Villages.