Cornelia Walther, the Head of Communications of UNICEF Haiti reported that nearly one in two children under five years suffer from malnutrition in the country. Stating the reasons why children were malnourished, ranging from poverty to disease through inadequate feeding practices, emphasizing "If a child does not get sufficient nutrients during the first 1,000 days of life, her brain and body will never fully develop, which will have consequences on school performance and later on income," which has a tremendous impact on Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

"Therapeutic food is part of the solution, if it goes hand in hand with overall development that enhances food security for families, and MFK (Meds & Foods for Kids ) https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-7011-haiti-health-inauguration-of-a-new-production-plant-of-medika-mamba.html has become an important player in Haiti," stressed Cornelia Walther.

She recalled that the company MFK produces therapeutic food for malnourished children, including the popular "Plumpy'nut" a high-calorie peanut-based paste for therapeutic feeding.

She indicated that nearly one third of the 450 tons that MFK produces annually, is distributed in Haiti, while acknowledging that the product is too expensive for families whose children are affected by malnutrition, as these families are among the most vulnerable ; "this is why humanitarian and development actors such as UNICEF buy the product “which can then supply community health centres in cooperation with the Government of Haiti."

HL/ HaitiLibre