Malnutrition among Children in Naga Community

Introduction  

Childhood is a vulnerable and dependent period preceding adulthood. During this phase, care and education are essential inputs for a child’s development. Nutrition is critically important in early life, not only for normal growth and development but also for lifelong health maintenance. Malnutrition is a pervasive health issue affecting communities globally, present in both rural and urban households across all socioeconomic strata. While many attribute malnutrition solely to poverty, it can affect anyone lacking awareness of nutritional needs. Its causes extend beyond insufficient food intake to include frequent illness, poor care practices, inadequate healthcare access, household food insecurity, unbalanced diets, unsanitary environments, psychosocial stress, nutritional ignorance, agricultural barriers, and limited health education. Building a healthy foundation during developmental stages is paramount. Holistic early childhood care ensures children thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally.  

Causes of Malnutrition 

In the Naga community, key contributors include: 

- Agricultural limitations leading to inadequate food intake or consumption of non-nutritious foods.  

- Economic constraints, particularly in low-income households unable to provide balanced diets.  

- Misconceptions (e.g., believing “full stomach” suffice for nutrition).  

- Poor sanitation (unsafe housing, latrines, and water sources).  

- Mental health challenges and frequent illnesses.  

- Healthcare inaccessibility, low birth weight, and iodine deficiencies.  

- Financial instability, climate-impacted agriculture, and local food shortages.  

- Physical inactivity, infections, and imbalanced diets.  

- Inadequate breastfeeding and maternal undernourishment during pregnancy.  

- Parental time constraints (prioritizing work over childcare).  

- Limited community awareness (e.g., churches uninformed about child nutrition).  

- Dietary habits: irregular protein intake, high consumption of smoked/fermented foods.  

Signs and Symptoms  

- Stunted growth, low weight gain, and reduced muscle mass.  

- Frequent/prolonged illnesses, anemia, diarrhea, and breathing difficulties.  

- Insomnia, hypothermia risk, depression, and cognitive/developmental delays.  

- Night blindness, anxiety, irritability, poor concentration, and chronic fatigue.  

- Behavioral changes, cracked lips, facial wasting (sunken cheeks), and premature aging.  

- Pale/dry skin, dull or sparse hair, appetite loss, and pigmentation changes.  

Effects of Malnutrition  

Malnutrition compromises every organ system (heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, brain) and is linked to:  

- Impaired mental development and academic performance.  

- Behavioral issues, developmental delays, and reduced work capacity.  

- Increased morbidity, mortality, and reproductive challenges.  

Food Crops in the Naga Community  

Staple crops include rice, corn, millet, yams, and tapioca. Common vegetables are cabbage, soybeans, pumpkin, potatoes, tomatoes, chilies, squash (chayote), ginger, mustard leaves, bamboo shoots, and mushrooms. Fruits include bananas, pears, oranges, jackfruit, guava, pineapple, and papaya. Rice is the dietary cornerstone, while river-sourced aquatic animals and herbs hold traditional value. Despite this biodiversity—a testament to cultural and agricultural richness—malnutrition persists. 

Biblical Perspective on Health  

God has always been keenly interested in providing for the needs of humans from the very beginning. He has intended this earth to produce ample food for themselves, generation after generation. God said every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth will be for food (Which means, humans would learn to access the seeds of those fruits and vegetables to grow more and more for food). Concern of God for the physical well-being doubtlessly results from the fact that He knows that health has an influence on our spiritual progress. Therefore, taking care of the body is the responsibility of self, also responsibility of the parents and adults to take care of child’s health. 

However, some people find it hard to understand the unconditional love and care of God that He has for His children. Instead, when a person faces difficult situations in life, one starts blaming God that, He does not care for me! He doesn’t love me! If He love me so, then why God allows me to go through all these sufferings? Isaiah 66:13 said, “I will comfort you, like a mother comforting her child...” The Bible clearly states that, God has unconditional love for his children and longing for people to trust in his unfailing love. 

Genesis 1:28 affirms that, God has given to mankind dominion or control over all of creation. He has given to mankind both the resources and the responsibility to enjoy, care for and use in abundance what he has provided. God has envisioned this earth to produce ample food for all. In His own will, He provides food for men (Matthew 6: 26). Paul encouraged the Galatian churches to “remember the poor” (Gal.2:10). People are to play the roles. Role in taking care of self-health, having faith in God, working hard, helping the needy, living a hygienic life, love towards others (foods, clothes, shelters), giving education, provide the good-natured environment conducive to child’s growth. Maintenance of good health depends on how one live and the confidence with which one faces the dangers of the environment. Good health also implies our success in functioning within the particular set of values; thus, health has considerable variation. The holistic healing can happen only when one is able to utilize God-given wisdom to take care of self health in choosing what is good for health and what is not, what is good to do to live a healthy.

Recommendations  

1. Diet and Nutrition:  

- Eat timely meals rich in proteins (legumes, nuts, eggs, fish, lean meat) and fresh, chemical-free produce.  

- Avoid excessive fats, sugars, junk food, and fast food.  

- Ensure household food security and breastfeeding within an hour of birth.  

- Improve diets for pregnant/breastfeeding mothers.  

2. Hygiene and Safety:  

- Sanitise utensils with boiling water; wash dishes with boiled water.  

- Use covered waste containers; dispose of refuse by burning/burying.  

- Maintain sanitary toilets and personal cleanliness (bathing, handwashing, clean clothing).  

3. Lifestyle:  

- Drink ample safe water. 

- Prioritize sleep schedules and physical activity (work, play, exercise).  

- Monitor child growth; consult health professionals if concerned.  

4. Parental and Community Roles:  

- Spend quality time with children to foster healthy relationships.  

- Creatively present food to encourage eating (e.g., appealing plating).  

- Avoid forcing children to eat; ensure safe living environments.  

- Promote agricultural development and climate resilience.  

- Churches should lead awareness campaigns and partner with NGOs/governments.  

Conclusion  

Malnutrition stems not only from poverty but also from nutritional ignorance, poor dietary choices, unhygienic conditions, parental time constraints, climate change, and health service gaps. Addressing this requires multifaceted, context-specific solutions. While NGOs and governments implement anti-malnutrition programs, the Naga community remains disproportionately affected. Churches and social workers must spearhead mass awareness initiatives, advocate for policy changes, and educate families on nutrition’s role in holistic child development. Cultivating healthy habits from early childhood yields lifelong benefits. Every individual and organization must collaborate—guided by community and faith institutions—to eradicate malnutrition.

B. Yaumei Phom 

M.Th in Holistic Child Development