Top 15 Countries with high malnutrition rates in the World – Malnutrition remains one of the most persistent development challenges globally, undermining the health and well-being of millions of people. According to the 2022 Global Hunger Index (GHI), hunger and malnutrition levels continue to be alarming across the world, particularly in parts of Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. The GHI ranks hunger and malnutrition based on four key indicators – undernourishment, child wasting, child stunting, and child mortality. A higher GHI score indicates a more severe hunger situation.Top 15 Countries with high malnutrition rates in the World

The Top 15 Countries with high malnutrition rates in the World are:

Based on the latest GHI report, here are the 15 countries with the highest malnutrition rates in the world currently:Good morning My Love Message

1. Yemen

With a GHI score of 45.1, Yemen has the grim distinction of having the highest level of malnutrition worldwide. After years of conflict and war, the Arab country’s health infrastructure lies in tatters. Continuous fighting has led to massive disruptions in food production and supply chains, leaving millions unable to access nutritious food. The situation is dire – over 2 million children require treatment for acute malnutrition. Food insecurity and famine-like conditions prevail, with close to 50,000 people living in famine-like conditions.

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2. Central African Republic

The Central African Republic, with a GHI score of 44, has the second-highest malnutrition rate globally. Decades of political instability and violence have devastated the country’s healthcare and agricultural systems. An estimated 1.8 million people face acute food shortages currently. 47% of children under 5 suffer from chronic malnutrition, which has severe long-term consequences. Malnutrition is a significant contributor to the high under-5 mortality rate of 84 deaths per 1000 live births.

3. Madagascar

Madagascar’s high GHI score of 38.7 reflects the extensive malnutrition challenges it faces. Natural disasters, like droughts and cyclones frequently threaten food security and the livelihoods of communities. Around 42% of children under 5 are stunted due to chronic malnutrition. Micronutrient deficiencies are also widespread – nearly 50% of women of reproductive age are anaemic. Underfunding of nutrition interventions hampers progress in addressing Madagascar’s malnutrition crisis.

4. Democratic Republic of Congo

The Democratic Republic of Congo has a GHI score of 37.8. Prolonged conflict, population displacements, and food insecurity have created a massive malnutrition crisis in the country. Stunting affects 43% of children under 5, while anaemia impacts around 60% of women of reproductive age. In strife-torn provinces, these rates are even higher. Weak governance, low health budgets, and poor infrastructure constrain the DRC’s capacity to run nutrition interventions effectively.NYSC Portal

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5. Chad

Chad is ranked among the countries with alarming malnutrition rates, reflected in its GHI score of 37.2. The landlocked country frequently faces food emergencies and droughts, exacerbating hunger. Approximately 22% of Chad’s population is undernourished. Stunting and anaemia rates are very high, at 38% and 46% respectively. Boko Haram’s activities in the Lake Chad region have triggered massive displacements, worsening the nutrition security of conflict-affected communities.

6. Liberia

Liberia’s high malnutrition burden is underscored by its GHI score of 32.4. The stunting rate stands at 31% currently. The Ebola outbreak of 2014-15 weakened Liberia’s health system significantly, rolling back progress on nutrition goals. Food insecurity is a key concern, with more than 2.1 million people unable to meet basic food needs. Gender inequality, low women’s nutrition knowledge, and high teenage pregnancies impede improvements in nutrition.Information guide Nigeria

7. Haiti

Haiti has a GHI score of 32.7. Natural disasters frequently exacerbate food insecurity in the Caribbean country. Droughts in recent years have led to losses of up to 60% of national harvests, heightening malnutrition. 22% of Haitian children are stunted, while more than half of those under 5s are anaemic. Limited access to safe water and sanitation poses major health challenges. Micronutrient deficiencies are widespread too, impacting childhood development.JAMB portal

8. Niger

Ranked among the poorest countries globally, Niger has alarming malnutrition levels, indicated by its GHI score of 32.6. 42% of children under 5 are stunted, while half of all women aged 15-49 are anaemic. Recurrent droughts, floods, and displacement due to conflict exacerbate food insecurity and malnutrition. Social and gender inequities also play a role in Niger’s high malnutrition rates. Limited system capacity hinders the scaling up of nutrition interventions.

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9. Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone’s GHI score of 31.5 reflects its battle with high malnutrition rates. Around 37% of under 5 children suffer from stunting resulting from chronic malnutrition. Micronutrient deficiency disorders like anaemia are also common, present in 62% of women of the reproductive age group. Ebola outbreak damage and loss of remittances have increased food insecurity. While some progress has been witnessed recently, limited funding constrains efforts to combat malnutrition.Information guide Nigeria

10. Somalia

Somalia has alarming malnutrition indicators, with a GHI score of 31.4. Over a decade of conflict has severely disrupted its agriculture, infrastructure, and health systems. Currently 1.2 million children under 5 face acute malnutrition, of which 330,600 have severe acute malnutrition and are at imminent risk. Estimated 7.7 million Somalis face crisis or emergency levels of food insecurity. Lack of access to healthcare centres and safe water aggravate malnutrition.

11. Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe’s high GHI score of 30.8 reflects its malnutrition crisis. With the economy facing collapse, Zimbabwe has seen a resurgence of acute hunger and malnutrition. Food inflation has eroded purchasing power significantly. Ongoing droughts threaten production – around 44% of rural Zimbabweans face food insufficiency. The stunting rate among under-5s is 27%, indicating chronic malnutrition. Anaemia prevalence stands at 29% among women of reproductive age.

12. Burundi

Burundi’s GHI score of 30.6 indicates the alarming malnutrition situation. 57% of inhabitants cannot meet basic food needs. Chronic malnutrition levels are very high, with a stunting rate of 56% among under 5 children in some provinces. Micronutrient deficiencies are also widespread. Flooding, droughts, and locust invasions often threaten food security. Funding shortfalls for nutrition remain a key challenge.Romantic love message

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13. South Sudan

South Sudan’s GHI score of 30.5 reflects the dire malnutrition crisis it faces. After years of conflict, 7.2 million people face acute food shortages over these years. 60% of the population is increasingly hungry. 2.2 million children and pregnant and lactating women have or are at risk of acute malnutrition. Flooding has aggravated the situation. Malnutrition is linked to around 33% of under 5 deaths in South Sudan.

14. Timor-Leste

Timor-Leste’s GHI score stands at 29.9, indicating its high burden of malnutrition. 38% of its children under 5 suffer from chronic malnutrition leading to stunting. Malnutrition is the underlying factor in over half of under 5 deaths in Timor-Leste. Natural disasters like floods frequently damage agricultural production and incomes. Lack of national food self-sufficiency exacerbates food insecurity and malnutrition levels during lean seasons.

15. Zambia

Zambia has a GHI score of 29.4. Despite progress in the last decade, its malnutrition rates remain high, with 35% of those under 5s stunted. 60% of Zambians cannot afford the cost of a basic nutritious diet. Anaemia rates among women are around 30%, while vitamin A deficiency levels are high in children. Inequitable distribution of food and limited food availability during lean seasons are key challenges requiring redressal.

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Conclusion:

Malnutrition remains one of the most serious but overlooked global health challenges. The above 15 countries face immense burdens from varying forms of malnutrition, including stunting, wasting, micronutrient deficiencies, and undernourishment. Conflict, food insecurity, natural disasters, funding shortfalls, and inequities contribute significantly to high malnutrition in these geographies. Concerted action is required to tackle malnutrition through integrated food, health, and social protection systems. Investments in nutrition interventions can help overcome malnutrition, promoting human capital development and socio-economic progress.

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