Child Undernutrition in Sudan: The Social and Economic Impact and Future Perspectives

Abstract

The nutrition situation in Sudan is one of the worst in northeast Africa and it is characterized by persistently high levels of acute and chronic malnutrition that have increased over the last two decades. The underlying causes of malnutrition are multi-sectoral and are mainly due to inequalities, inadequate food practices, and limited access to healthcare services. Based on the report The Economic and Social Impacts of Child Undernutrition in Sudan, this study assesses the impact that malnutrition has on health, education, and productivity in Sudan. The country is estimated to have lost an equivalent of about 11.6 billion Sudanese pound (1 United States dollar = 55.3 Sudanese pound) in 2014, which represented 2.6% of the gross domestic product (GDP). Productivity-related losses contributed the largest costs at 1.5% of GDP followed by health and education sectors at 1.1% and 0.1%, respectively. In 2020, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic further exposed the fragility of Sudan's health, social, and economic system. It is mandatory that all stakeholders address child nutrition as a main concern and stunting is incorporated in the center of the development agenda. In particular, the national development frameworks should be updated to ensure the reduction of the stunting prevalence and to put in place a comprehensive multi-sectoral nutrition policy, strategy, and plan of action.