Hunger is one of the perpetuators of poverty in the world. Colombia is not the exception. The most recent research by the Association of Food Banks (Abaco) shows that in Colombia around 500 thousand children in the country suffer from chronic malnutrition.
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This type of malnutrition, if it occurs in the first two years of life, is less intelligent and poorer because of hunger. According to the calculations made by Abaco from the official reports of malnutrition in boys and girls from 0 to 4 years old from 1990 to 2015, there are 5 million people with a lower IQ.
An investigation published by the journal Maternal & Child Nutrition showed that adults who suffered from chronic malnutrition in the first two years of life have 14.6 points less IQ, 5 fewer years of education and 54% less salary in his adult life
Specialists explain that during the first three years of life, 80% of the human brain is formed. Therefore, optimal nutrition is essential to ensure that the brain mass and neurons connect.
According to the World Bank’s human capital index, due to malnutrition and low educational quality, a child born in Colombia will probably you will only reach 50% to 60% of your earning potential.
On the other hand, a recent study published in The Lancet states that in 95 low- and middle-income countries, the low productivity of people suffering from chronic malnutrition costs the private sector at least USD 135.4 billion in sales per year. Companies from Latin American and Caribbean countries suffered the greatest losses.
Now, Abaco found that the investment of 1 dollar to reduce acute malnutrition, implies a return of 4 dollars. Alongside this, investing in stunting reduction interventions yields returns of $2 to $81 per dollar invested annually (or 100% to 8,000% across all countries), according to a study by The Power of Nutrition.
“Only with joint work will we be able to overcome the terrible consequences that this disease brings to the full development of people and to the country’s economy.”, stated Juan Carlos Buitrago, director of the Network of Food Banks of Colombia.
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People and companies that want to contribute to the fight against hunger and malnutrition can go to www.abaco.org.co
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