Experts warn of increased stunting due to Covid-19

STUNTING levels in Laos remain a public health concern even without a lockdown, but the recent restrictions on movement and difficulties in obtaining food during the Covid-19 outbreak have exacerbated the situation, nutrition experts say.

A recent Covid-19 impact survey on food security and agriculture, conducted by the World Food Programme and the Food and Agriculture Organisation, indicated that about one-third of respondents felt a negative change regarding food consumption.

Most of those surveyed said they could not consume all food groups due to price hikes and the reduced availability of meat in markets.

The survey showed that where healthy options are few, a newer problem is the prevalence of unhealthy snack foods and beverages.

It said the consumption of these packaged foods appeals to both children and adults for their convenience, low cost and long shelf life.

However, it said the consumption of these foods not only increases rates of obesity in both adults and children, but also impacts children’s consumption of nutritious and diverse foods.

Experts said a nutritious diet is key to developing a good immune system, which includes breastfeeding until the age of two years, regular nutritious meals with lots of fruits and vegetables, avoidance of processed and packaged foods, and sufficient water intake.

According to information provided by Unicef on Monday, Covid-19 has impacted the way families eat, especially during the lockdown.

It said the development of a strong immune system in children through the consumption of healthy food is crucial to fend off health risks.

The World Food Programme and Unicef also warned of a silent hunger pandemic that may drive an additional 130 million people globally into severe hunger due to the fallout from Covid-19.

The Global Hunger Index 2019 placed Laos in the serious category, at 87 out of 117 qualifying countries.

In Laos, over half of children under six months are not exclusively breastfed, and more than twothirds of children under two years of age are not meeting minimum dietary standards in terms of meal frequency, quality and diversity.

One in three children aged between six months and five years is likely to be impaired in growth, with reduced learning capacities and cognitive abilities, leading to reduced life potential.