Fighting Chronic Malnutrition in Namibia
In collaboration with UNICEF
Nutritional Education and Research for Namibia is a charity funding research into Namibia’s chronic malnutrition. We are studying the prevalence and causes of malnutrition in children, and promoting education about nutrition for Namibians.
Namibia
Namibia is one of the world’s least densely populated countries (2.5 people/square km). It is a middle-income country, per capita GDP: US$5786, but has one of the highest income disparities in the world (Gini coefficient index of 70.7%; 100% denotes the most inequality).
Unemployment is around 40%, and currently rising.
30% of people in Namibia live below the poverty line.
Malnutrition
Malnutrition is a common health problem in Namibia, affecting mostly children under five years. According to the 2013 Namibia Demographic Health Survey (NDHS) report, the prevalence of stunting in Namibian children under five years was 24%, wasting 6% and underweight 13% (MOHSS, 2013). In addition, in 2019, some sources in the Namibian press reported that only 13% of Namibian children receive their minimum acceptable diet (Shikongo, 2019). Namibian children were also reported with severe malnutrition, and some were fed traditional beer due to lack of food (Nembwaya, 2019).
Our Research
This study is a collaboration between UNDP/UNICEF and UNAM. The university responded to a call for a partnership to develop new measuring technology.
The study will provide contemporary cross-sectional data on the current state of child nutrition and diet, a faster way of screening for malnutrition, and insights on the nutritional status and degree of malnutrition of the children.
Contact
Feel free to contact us with any questions.
Email
educres.namib@gmail.com
* Please note - this email address is not constantly monitored.