Malnutrition and the infant mortality rate
In a previous post I mentioned that one of the passengers on the boat in Halong Bay was a Iraqi pediatrician, (cousin of Shabu).
She was originally from Baghdad but has lived in Boston for many years, and regularly volunteers abroad.
I asked her about the staggering statistics quoted by the World Bank about child malnutrition (20%) and infant mortality under the age of five. (34%)
Her opinion was that the greatest problem is lack of education in early childhood care. Breastfeeding is not practised aggressively, and children are fed the same foods that adults eat, which is not always optimal for child health needs.
I still consider this is a symptom of poverty. This little guy minds the boat while his mother begs on the boat ramp.
She was originally from Baghdad but has lived in Boston for many years, and regularly volunteers abroad.
I asked her about the staggering statistics quoted by the World Bank about child malnutrition (20%) and infant mortality under the age of five. (34%)
Her opinion was that the greatest problem is lack of education in early childhood care. Breastfeeding is not practised aggressively, and children are fed the same foods that adults eat, which is not always optimal for child health needs.
I still consider this is a symptom of poverty. This little guy minds the boat while his mother begs on the boat ramp.
posted by Megan at 11:48 am
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