Why the poorest children aren’t playing or smiling

In almost a decade, the prevalence of underweight children in the Philippines have barely changed and this manifests not only in poor physical health among children from the poorest families. It has also ripped them of their optimism and sunny disposition. “Malnourished children lack energy, so they become less curious and playful and communicate less with the people around them, which impairs their physical, mental and cognitive development,” according to WHO. They become “lethargic, weak, irritable, and very apathetic,” a children’s doctor said.

Read more about the link between malnutrition and poor social behaviour here.

Rappler will be launching in March its #HungerProject, which brings together advocates who believe that hunger can be solved and that people who care enough can do something about it. Learn more about it here.