#malnutrition

#malnutrition

In an overcrowded clinic in central Gaza's Nuseirat refugee camp, Samar Abu Ajwah clutched her frail newborn as he burst into weak sobs. Eyad has been diagnosed as malnourished, weighing only 1.9kg (4.2lb). He needs milk, and we are appealing for help from people who can afford it because we cannot, Abu Ajwah, who also suffers from malnutrition caused by Israel's punishing blockade of humanitarian aid, told Al Jazeera.

The United Nations has described a looming hunger crisis in northern Nigeria as "unprecedented," with analysts estimating that at least 5 million children are already suffering from acute malnutrition. This is despite northern Nigeria traditionally being the nation's agricultural heartland, producing maize, millet, and sorghum.

Starvation is one of the most undignified and barbaric ways to kill. It's intended to be protracted and to maximize suffering.

"Malnutrition can stunt growth and lead to obesity," she said, pointing to a 2022 study by the Turkish Statistical Institute showing that 62.4% of children in Turkey predominantly eat bread and pasta.