Health minister: nutrition problems of many households in Armenia is a serious concern
Nutrition problems of many households in Armenia is a serious concern, Minister of Health Armen Muradyan said today in comments on a latest report by Armenian National Statistical Service, UN World Food Program (WFP) and UN Children's Fund, which says that around 15% of households in Armenia have remained food insecure since 2010 and a significant proportion are at risk of becoming food insecure.
"We are analyzing now the situation with food insecurity, including for prevention of possible spread of diseases. We are also developing various projects, including the enrichment of products with minerals," said Muradyan.
According to the joint report, the serious nutrition problems are reflected in large numbers of stunted and overweight children and the dual malnutrition burden hampers the ability of Armenia to reach its full human and socio-economic potential.
The report indicates that Armenia is exposed to multiple risks, and that 28 percent of households are at risk of becoming food insecure if affected by any shock. Moreover, 19% of children aged under 5 are reported to be stunted, and almost 15% were found to be overweight. The stunted condition is caused by chronic malnutrition in which children are small for their age.
“Poor nutrition can cause irreversible damage to children, it can affect their brain and body development, their school achievement, as well as health and productivity later in life. Without access to nutritious food and awareness of its importance, we cannot expect healthy, strong and productive population in the future,” said UNICEF Representative in Armenia Tanja Radocaj. -0-