Introduction

Malnutrition and food shortage are two of the most pressing global challenges today. According to the
World Health Organization (WHO), malnutrition is the leading cause of death among children under the
age of five. In 2021, an estimated 45 million children under the age of five were suffering from wasting, a
severe form of malnutrition that can lead to death.

UNICEF is one of the leading organizations working to fight malnutrition and food shortage around the
world. UNICEF works with governments and partners to provide lifesaving nutrition interventions to
children and women, and to promote breastfeeding and other healthy feeding practices. UNICEF also
works to address the root causes of malnutrition, such as poverty, inequality, and lack of access to clean
water and sanitation.

Findings

UNICEF's work to fight malnutrition and food shortage has made a significant impact in recent years. In
2022, UNICEF and partners reached 7.3 million children with life-saving treatment for severe wasting, a
35% increase from 2021. This is the highest number of children treated for severe wasting since large-
scale treatment began in 2007.

Data

The following data shows UNICEF's progress in fighting malnutrition and food shortage around the
world:

Year Children treated for

severe wasting
2007 700,000

2012 1,700,000

2017 3,100,000

2021 5,400,000

2023 7,300,000

UAE and UNICEF Collaboration

The UAE is a major supporter of UNICEF's work to fight malnutrition and food shortage around the
world. In 2022, the UAE pledged US$250 million to support UNICEF's nutrition programs in Yemen,
Somalia, and Ethiopia. This funding is helping to reach millions of children with life-saving nutrition
interventions.

Graph

The graph shows that the number of children treated for severe wasting has steadily increased over
time. In 2007, UNICEF and partners treated 700,000 children for severe wasting. By 2022, this number
had increased to 7.3 million. This increase is due to a number of factors, including UNICEF's expanded
reach, improved treatment methods, and increased funding for nutrition programs.