In this article, we will be taking a look at the 5 countries with the highest death rate from malnutrition. If you want to learn about more, head straight to the 25 Countries with the Highest Death Rate From Malnutrition.
5. Djibouti
Total Death Rate: 17.4
Djibouti grapples with significant malnutrition challenges, affecting both children and adults. Around 33,000 children under five are projected to suffer from acute malnutrition in 2023, with over 5,500 severe cases, along with over 2,900 malnourished pregnant and breastfeeding women. Undernutrition persists, with 10.1% of children under five experiencing wasting and 20.9% stunted. High poverty rates, with 42% in extreme poverty and 79% overall, exacerbate food insecurity, compounded by Djibouti’s heavy reliance on food imports (90% of needs), leaving it vulnerable to international market price fluctuations.
4. Eritrea
Total Death Rate: 18.9
Eritrea has a high malnutrition death rate of 26.52 per 100,000 people, making Eritrea stand among the countries with the highest death rate from malnutrition. Children suffer from acute malnutrition, leading to increased mortality rates in some areas due to water and food shortages. Eritrea requires significant financial resources, with a call for $3.8 million in 2004 for health, nutrition, water, and sanitation projects to address malnutrition and support affected children.
3. Burundi
Total Death Rate: 21.7
Burundi faces highest death rates from malnutrition, notably, chronic malnutrition affecting 55% of children under 5, leading to stunting and hindering their physical and cognitive development. Stunting prevalence stands at 56%, significantly surpassing WHO thresholds. Acute malnutrition affects 5% of children. The economic impact is substantial, with the direct cost of treating malnutrition reaching US$9.5 per capita annually, straining both healthcare and economic development.
2. Mali
Total Death Rate: 29.7
In Mali, malnutrition is a significant challenge, with 27% of children under five stunted and 9% acutely malnourished, making Mali stand among the countries with the highest death rate from malnutrition. Despite some improvements, anemia affects 82% of children aged 6-59 months. Mali faces financial challenges due to recurring crises like droughts and conflicts, with poverty rates fluctuating. Food insecurity affects 3.5 million Malians, worsened by inadequate child feeding practices.
1. Somalia
Total Death Rate: 31.3
Somalia faces a severe malnutrition crisis, with high death rates attributed to malnutrition, making it the country with the highest malnutrition-related mortality rate globally. About 1.8 million Somali children under 5 suffer from acute malnutrition, with severe cases worsening by 300% since January. Stunting rates have increased by 28% over the last decade. Financially, only 30% of a UN appeal for US$1.5 billion has been funded, leaving critical interventions under-resourced. Somalia also stand among the countries with the highest death rates from starvation.
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