Unicef warns against cultural practices hindering effective nutrition

UNICEF has warned against cultural practices that hinder effective nutrition, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. In a recent report, UNICEF highlighted that certain cultural practices can lead to malnutrition, stunting, and other nutrition-related problems among children and women.

Some of the cultural practices that UNICEF identified as hindering effective nutrition include:

  1. Early marriage and childbearing: In some cultures, early marriage and childbearing are seen as a way to ensure a girl's future security and social status. However, this can lead to malnutrition and stunting in children, as well as increased risk of maternal mortality.
  2. Female genital mutilation (FGM): FGM is a harmful practice that involves the removal of part or all of the female genitalia. It can lead to severe bleeding, infection, and long-term health problems, including malnutrition and stunting.
  3. Breastfeeding taboos: In some cultures, breastfeeding is seen as taboo or shameful, leading to mothers not breastfeeding their children or stopping breastfeeding too early. This can lead to malnutrition and stunting in children.
  4. Food taboos: Certain foods are considered taboo or impure in some cultures, leading to a limited diet and malnutrition.
  5. Limited access to healthcare: In some cultures, healthcare is seen as a luxury or a sign of weakness, leading to limited access to healthcare services and malnutrition.
  6. Limited access to education: In some cultures, education is seen as a luxury or a sign of weakness, leading to limited access to education and malnutrition.
  7. Limited access to clean water and sanitation: In some cultures, clean water and sanitation are seen as a luxury, leading to limited access and malnutrition.

UNICEF is working to address these cultural practices and promote effective nutrition practices, including:

  1. Promoting breastfeeding: UNICEF is working to promote breastfeeding as a way to ensure optimal nutrition for children.
  2. Providing education and training: UNICEF is providing education and training to healthcare workers, community leaders, and mothers on effective nutrition practices.
  3. Promoting healthy diets: UNICEF is promoting healthy diets and reducing the consumption of unhealthy foods.
  4. Providing access to healthcare: UNICEF is working to provide access to healthcare services, including nutrition counseling and treatment for malnutrition.
  5. Promoting education: UNICEF is promoting education as a way to empower women and girls and reduce malnutrition.
  6. Providing access to clean water and sanitation: UNICEF is working to provide access to clean water and sanitation, which is essential for good health and nutrition.

Overall, UNICEF is working to address the cultural practices that hinder effective nutrition and promote healthy and nutritious diets for children and women.