Not all children around the world are as fortunate as we are in Canada in terms of having access to proper nutrition and various physical activity and sport opportunities.
Energy malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies continues to be a major health burden in developing countries. Globally, they are the most important risk factor for illness and death, particularly affecting children and pregnant women. The 2 main forms of malnutrition are seen in individuals with marasmus (protein + energy deficiency) and kwashiorkor (protein deficiency). Furthermore, deficiencies in iron, iodine, vitamin A, and zinc are also prevalent. Communities are susceptible to infectious diseases, and in severe cases, death due to the lack of healthy resources in these communities.
More than a third of the children who die before they reach the age of five suffer from undernutrition. It is estimated that 156 million children under five are too short for their age and 50 million children under five do not weigh enough for their age. This is due to the lack
of accessibility to enough nutritious food, essential vitamins, and minerals that help grow, develop and fight off disease. Micronutrient requirements are especially high in adolescents as they are vital for growth. Children who receive adequate nutrition in the first 1000 days of life are more likely to stay in school, contribute to the needs of their family, and reach their full potential.
Furthermore, many women in developing countries also do not have access to proper nutrition themselves. When they become pregnant, they are not able to supply adequate nutrition and may have complications such as birth defects, premature birth, and death. Infections and the lack of nutritious food makes it difficult for women to grow and have healthy babies.
Governments in third world countries frequently view sport and physical activity access and opportunity as optional, neglecting its importance. As a result, physical activity and sport is often absent from national budgets and education systems of many third world countries. When underdeveloped countries fail to invest and believe in youth sport, the potential for athletes to build and showcase their talent is hindered. Inherently, the lack of talent building opportunities further devalues local sport development, as well as sport career pathways.
One study found that Ghana and many other African nations have staggeringly low access to sport facilities. In Ghana, for example, the ratio of sport facilities to inhabitants is: 1 to 7,300,000 for athletics, 1 to 30,000 for football, 1 to 200,000 for small pitches, 1 in 730,000 for swimming pools and 0 for gymnasiums.
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Written by:
Devon Portz and Nicole Chan
Sources:
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