When it comes to childhood malnutrition, the facts matter. And they focus our attention on what matters. Malnutrition can affect any child, anywhere. It also takes on many forms, from undernutrition (not getting enough nutrients) to overnutrition (taking in too many calories that aren’t nutrient-dense).

Among children under 5 years old across the world:

• An estimated 148 million children experience stunting (below a healthy height for their age). 
• An estimated 45 million children experience wasting (below a healthy weight for their height).
• An estimated 37 million children are overweight (above a healthy weight for their height).

There’s no doubt this is a worldwide issue. But the question becomes: “What can be done about it?”

Earlier this year, five United Nations agencies labeled malnutrition a threat to children’s long-term health and development and called for urgent action on the issue. 

That’s why Abbott is stepping up to tackle malnutrition. We are partnering with Real Madrid Football Club and Real Madrid Foundation to drive awareness of the issue and to provide nutrition education and malnutrition screening through Real Madrid Foundation Social Sports Schools.  

“Malnutrition is not always identified early, so it’s critical to make people aware and give them tools to help identify it through regular screening and monitoring of children,” said Ann Smith, co-lead of the Abbott Center for Malnutrition Solutions. “In partnership with Real Madrid Foundation, we’re teaching kids about healthy living and training communities to identify malnutrition in kids so they can be referred for additional support and resources.”