A recent Unicef warning has highlighted a grim reality: Millions of children across the globe face acute malnutrition. While this is a global issue, it also carries particular weight for Bangladesh.
While we as a nation have made significant strides in development, we remain vulnerable to external shocks, as we have seen with the war in Ukraine and also the Covid-19 pandemic before it.
As we see more and more funding cuts from major donors like the US, the urgency for proactive, domestically-driven solutions to address malnutrition has never been greater.
When we think of malnutrition, it goes beyond children going hungry - it is the future of this nation that is held back from reaching its full potential as a result of it. Stunted growth, impaired cognitive development, and weakened immune systems all contribute to create an impoverished society that continues generation after generation.
The challenge now is to find innovative ways to ensure that malnutrition does not become a bigger issue for us. This starts with increased domestic investment in agriculture, particularly in nutrient-rich crops. Public-private partnerships could also unlock new funding streams and expertise, all contributing to better programs benefiting the most marginalized in society.
Beyond funding, Bangladesh needs to prioritize preventative measures. Strengthening community health services and improving sanitation are also essential components that cannot be overlooked. Empowering women through education and economic opportunities is also vital, as they are often the primary caregivers and decision-makers regarding family nutrition.
We have, historically, shown remarkable resilience in the face of numerous challenges. Addressing malnutrition requires that same spirit of innovation and determination. We cannot afford to let our future generations be defined by undernourishment.
