Recent reports indicate that stunting among five-year-olds in Fiji remains a significant concern, with seven percent of children falling short of proper growth during their crucial developmental years. The issue of undernutrition coexists with a troubling rise in obesity, which UNICEF identifies as the most prevalent form of malnutrition in the country.
Penjani Kamudoni, UNICEF’s Nutrition Manager, highlights that between 24 and 31 percent of children aged five to 19 are classified as overweight, depending on their age group. This dual burden of malnutrition underscores a broader issue: the quality of diets consumed by children. UNICEF stresses that both stunting and obesity are symptoms of poor-quality nutrition and a food system that fails to deliver essential nutrients.
Kamudoni points out that simply focusing on the quantity of food consumed is misleading; the quality is equally critical. The prevalent forms of malnutrition—whether undernutrition or obesity—are deeply intertwined with deficiencies in Fiji’s food system, which affects children’s access to nutritious options.
As the nation grapples with rising rates of childhood obesity, it is essential not to overlook the persistence of stunting and other forms of malnutrition. The coalition of these malnutrition issues demands immediate attention, as they collectively threaten the health and future of the country’s youth. There is hope, however, that by addressing the underlying causes linked to the quality of food available, Fiji can work towards improved nutritional outcomes for all its children.
Leave a comment