Double Burden of Malnutrition in Afghanistan: Secondary Analysis of a National Survey

By:
Obaidullah Fahim, Shafiqullah Shahim, Ahmad Nawid Shams, Ahmad Farshid Muhammadi, Abolghassem Djazayery, Ahmad Esmaillzadeh
Date:
2023
Resource type:
Blogs/news/opinion
Link:

This study investigates the coexistence of undernutrition and overnutrition at individual and household levels in Afghanistan. Using data from the Afghanistan National Nutrition Survey 2013, the study finds that 12.5% of individuals experience the double burden of malnutrition (DBM), with 11.7% simultaneously having overweight and stunting, while 20.5% suffer from both overweight and micronutrient deficiencies. At the household level, 28.6% of households have at least one overweight/obese member and another undernourished member.

The study calls for national policies addressing both malnutrition extremes through public awareness, food fortification, dietary supplementation, and food assistance programs.

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