In Bangladesh, two out of every three children under the age of five suffer from child food poverty, as per UNICEF’s report. This affects approximately 10 million children who lack dietary diversity, consuming fewer than the recommended five food groups. Severe child food poverty, experienced by one in five children, increases the risk of severe malnutrition and long-term disadvantages like poor school performance and lifelong poverty. Bangladesh is among 20 countries contributing to 65 percent of severe child food poverty globally.
Transforming food systems to ensure accessibility and affordability of diverse, healthy foods is essential. Factors contributing to child food poverty include financial constraints, lack of awareness about healthy feeding habits, and the marketing of nutrient-poor processed foods. UNICEF supports the government by providing essential nutrition services, including counseling on child feeding practices and implementing social protection systems.
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