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Parent Category: Lower-Intermediate News Lessons

Category: Health Lessons

Written by Chris Cotter

According to a World Bank report, children need to eat enough good food, as well as the right kind of food. If children don't get enough vitamins and minerals, then they have long-term problems. At two years of age, for example, the children are underweight and underdeveloped. They get sick from disease more easily, and they also suffer from health problems later in life. They often have lower intelligence levels too. As a result, these children are more likely to drop out of school. They then earn less money as adults.

The news is very worrisome because as many as 30% of African children are hungry in areas with drought. India, Southeast Asia, and parts of South America also have similar problems.

Fighting hunger and poor nutrition requires about 3% of a developed country's annual GDP. Unfortunately, many developing countries and international aid organizations aren't taking effectiveaction.

The World Bank says it should set up education programs in health and nutrition for mothers with young babies. It also recommends cleaner living conditions and better health care.