Malnutrition among Children Under Five Years in the Era of COVID-19 Pandemic in Sub Sahara Africa: Causes and Impact

Abstract

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 era, Sub-Saharan Africa has seen a surge in malnutrition among children under the age of five. The goal of this research is to determine the factors that lead to malnutrition in young children under five (5) years in Sub-Saharan Africa. The study used a systematic review, specifically rapid review by utilizing online research journal websites and other in-context publications, a comprehensive literature review was conducted. The keyword "malnutrition among children under the age of five in Sub-Saharan Africa" was used throughout the search words for this particular study. This research was preoccupied mostly with childhood malnutrition. The study indicated that a child's nutritional intake during this COVID-19 era may be influenced by a range of factors, such as the economic conditions of a nation, the mother's degree of education and income, and cultural norms and societal expectations. During this  COVID-19 era, malnutrition in children under the age of five is one of the top causes of mortality in sub-Saharan African states and one of the primary reasons why these nations will not be able to reach the Sustainable Development Goals during the COVID-19 timeframe. Malnutrition also affects a child’s academic performance and physical development. COVID-19 has increase the rate of malnutrition among children under five (5) years and the WHO and governments in the Sub Sahara Africa are taking steps to cobate malnutrition. The research recommends that the governments of these sub-Saharan African nations immediately take measures to address the problem of childhood hunger during the COVID-19 era.