Peace and Improvement in Iraqi Childhood Nutrition

Abstract

Background: Malnutrition is faulty and bad nutrition. It is a silent invisible emergency that can be easily
prevented and managed. High prevalence rates of malnutrition were reported in Iraq since 1996 but started
to decline after the change in regimen in 2003.
Objective: To demonstrate the negative effects of conflicts (wars, widespread violence …etc.) on children
growth.
Materials and Method: A review of data was done from MICS reports from 1996 till 2018. Under 5 years
malnutrition trends were graphically presented.
Results: All malnutrition indicators rates (stunting, wasting, and underweight) in both their moderate and
severe forms for under five years children were presented in graphs including north middle, and south
regions of Iraq.
Conclusions: Peace is an essential element in preventing malnutrition. Wars and social strife are the main
factors that precipitate it. Low prevalence rates of malnutrition reflect good health.