LONDON: The recent surge in aid to Gaza following the Jan. 19 truce between Israel and Hamas is expected to alleviate the severe food crisis, particularly for children. However, the long-term effects of malnutrition could have lasting consequences on their health.
According to the United Nations, over 60,000 children in Gaza will require treatment for acute malnutrition in 2025. Some have already died, though estimates vary. Even those who regain proper nutrition remain at risk of long-term health problems linked to childhood malnutrition.
Global Food Crisis Impact
This crisis is part of a broader global issue. According to the UN World Food Programme, 131 million children—nearly 40 million under five—live in regions suffering from acute food shortages. Additionally, 4.7 million pregnant women in these areas face serious risks due to malnutrition.
Experts warn that childhood hunger can have irreversible effects. Severe malnutrition can stunt cognitive and physical development, increasing the likelihood of chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes later in life. “The damage doesn’t stop when the emergency ends,” said Marko Kerac, a global health professor at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
Types of Malnutrition
The World Health Organization identifies four key types of undernutrition, all of which can have lasting impacts:
- Wasting – Severe weight loss for a child’s height, often due to extreme hunger. With treatment, 90% of children can recover.
- Stunting – Chronic undernourishment leading to reduced height and developmental delays, with some effects considered irreversible.
- Underweight – Low weight for age, often combining stunting and wasting.
- Micronutrient Deficiencies – Lack of essential vitamins and minerals, which can cause brain damage, blindness, and weakened immunity.
Children who already suffer from chronic malnutrition or have disabilities are even more vulnerable to both the immediate and long-term impacts of food crises. A study in Malawi found that among 1,024 children treated for malnutrition, nearly 55% had died within 15 years, and survivors showed signs of stunted growth and weaker muscle strength.
Effects Before Birth
Research shows that babies born to malnourished mothers during famines face lifelong health risks. A study on the 1932-33 Ukraine famine found that those exposed to hunger in the womb had twice the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. Similar findings were observed in survivors of the Great Chinese Famine and the Dutch Hunger Winter.
The Role of Genetics
Scientists are still exploring how early malnutrition leads to long-term health effects. Some theories suggest that famine alters gene expression, making individuals more prone to obesity and metabolic diseases when food becomes available. Others believe that early malnutrition permanently affects metabolism, increasing the risk of chronic illnesses in adulthood.
Famine’s Hidden Impact on Population
Beyond immediate deaths, severe food crises reduce birth rates. Studies on past famines show significant declines in fertility, with birth rates dropping by 80% in parts of China during the 1958-62 famine. In Ukraine, researchers estimate that the country’s population is 10% smaller than it would have been without the 1930s famine.
As food crises continue to affect millions globally, experts emphasize the need for urgent intervention and long-term support to mitigate their devastating effects.
