CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
Malnutrition is a term which refers to both under nutrition (sub nutrition) and over nutrition (obesity). It can also be defined as the insufficient, excessive or imbalance consumption of nutrients. Nutrition plays a critical role in the ability of a growing child to develop well to adulthood as malnutrition causes stunted growth, muscle wasting, deficiency of various vitamins especially vitamin A and Zinc mineral. The Oxford advanced learners dictionary (2010) defines malnutrition as a poor health condition resulting from either lack of food or the right type of food. The World Health Organization (WHO, 2010) defines malnutrition as deficit in the necessary amount of micro-elements needed for the normal metabolism and functioning of the body such as potassium, manganese, iron and magnesium. It is worthy of note that there is an increased nutrient requirement during early growth and development in utero and in extra uterine life.  According to the National Health Service (NHS) United Kingdom. It is estimated that about three million people are affected by malnutrition and one in every three persons admitted to hospital or care homes in the United Kingdom are found to be malnourished or at risk of malnourishment. Black et al (2013) estimate that under nutrition is the cause of three million child deaths annually. In Africa, it is estimated that an increase from 31% in the year 1990 to 43% in the year 2005 of deaths occur due to malnutrition, as a result 10.6 million deaths of under-five children every year (World Health Organization, 2015). In Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Health estimates that 41% of Nigerian children under age five years are malnourished, this accounts to 1.1 million deaths (Punch News, 2015).
Statement of the Problem
Malnutrition in growing children is one of the major causes of child morbidity and mortality as up to 33% of children who die in Nigeria is due to the problem of malnutrition. At least 30 – 50% of all childhood death and 10 – 40% hospital admissions in developing countries occur as a result of malnutrition (WHO 2005).
Among growing children severe under nutrition increases risk of morbidity because malnourished children are susceptible to infection and with impaired cognitive development, poor social and emotional achievement and low economic productivity. In order to make a sustainable impact, intervention need to address direct cause and also the contextual factor poverty has been identified as a important determinant of severe malnutrition, the path way for this is complex. Improved economic performance has not automatically led to improved nutritional status, poverty increases susceptibility to poor nutritional outcome, a significant number of children brought up in poverty thrive. Therefore, adequate food is only one factor that is important.