Despite advancements in science, medicine, and technology, millions of children across Africa continue to suffer from the severe challenges of malnutrition and, paradoxically, rising obesity. This contradiction is particularly evident in countries like Kenya and South Africa, where scientific capabilities exist, yet the basic right to a nutritious meal remains out of reach for many children.
In South Africa, nearly 29 per cent of children under five are stunted, a figure that reflects more than just a health issue it’s a political one. Governments have access to comprehensive health data and innovative technologies, yet these tools often fail to translate into meaningful improvements for the most vulnerable populations. This gap between capability and outcome is a clear indicator that public health is now a deeply political matter.
In Kenya, the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey revealed that 18 per cent of children under five are stunted, 10 per cent are underweight, 5 per cent are wasted, and 3 per cent are overweight. Although some progress has been made in recent years, the disparities remain stark. Children from poorer households are disproportionately affected by malnutrition, showing that economic inequality plays a significant role in nutritional outcomes.
Malnutrition is not simply about insufficient calories. A more insidious form often referred to as “hidden hunger” stems from deficiencies in essential micronutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamins. These deficiencies silently impair children’s ability to grow, learn, and resist infections, with long-term consequences on their physical and cognitive development.
Wasting, where a child is dangerously thin for their height, is usually a result of acute food shortages or illness. Stunting, on the other hand, is a chronic condition that can permanently limit a child’s potential. In most cases, families are not making poor dietary choices due to ignorance but because of economic constraints that limit their access to nutritious food.
Environmental factors compound the problem. Climate shocks such as droughts and floods destroy crops and livelihoods, while the increasing cost of food pushes healthy diets beyond the reach of many. At the same time, unhealthy processed foods are cheaply and aggressively marketed, making them a convenient but damaging alternative.
Addressing child malnutrition requires more than treating its symptoms. It demands systemic change. Climate-resilient agriculture, stricter regulation of unhealthy food marketing, and bold policies that ensure healthy diets are affordable and accessible are essential. Tackling malnutrition must involve not just the health sector but also political will, community engagement, and collaboration across different sectors. The root of the problem lies in inequality and until that is addressed, malnutrition will persist.
