Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions on it.
Although world agencies have made numerous efforts to stop malnutrition, achievements have fallen short of hope For example, in 1996 the United Nations set the goal of reducing by half the number of the world’s undernourished some 400 million people – by the year 2015. Commendably, some progress has been made. But the report of the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nation for 2001 acknowledges that unfortunately there has been a slowdown in the projection, and that the number of undernourished people has actually increased considerably in the majority of developing countries.
Malnutrition is usually triggered by a combination of two factors, namely: an insufficient intake of proteins, calories vitamins, and minerals, and frequent infections. Such illness as diarrhoea, measles, malaria, and respiratory disease tax the body heavily and cause loss of nutrients. They reduce appetite and food intake, thus contributing to malnutrition. The undernourished child is in turn more susceptible to infections. Thus a vicious circle is formed that increases the mortally rates for protein-energy malnutrition. Children are at greater risk of suffering malnutrition because they are in a period of rapid growth that increases the demand for calories and proteins. For similar reasons, pregnant and nursing women are vulnerable to malnutrition.
Malnutrition has far-reaching effects. First, it wreaks havoc on the body, particularly that of a child. Every organ and system – including the heart, kidneys, stomach, intestines, lungs, and brain – may be affected. Various studies have shown that poor growth in a child is closely associated with impaired mental development and poor scholastic and intellectual performance. Secondly. for children who survive malnutrition, the aftermath can linger on into adulthood. Recent research relates undernourishment in infancy to a tendency towards such chronic illnesses in adulthood as heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
How can children be best protected from malnutrition? it is essential to improve the diet of the mother. Pregnant and nursing women need to consume more calories and proteins. Proteins in particular help in the production of the mother’s milk. So when there is little food, preference should be given to women of childbearing age and to little children. Secondly, in almost all cases, the best possible food for a baby is its mother’s milk. This is especially so during the first days after birth because mother’s milk contains antibodies that protect the baby from infection. During the first four months or so, breast milk provides all the nutrients that the baby needs in order to grow and develop properly. But breastfeeding should be continued for as long as necessary, which could be up to two years. And after the baby is weaned, the greatest possible variety of foods in different combinations should be introduced to provide nutrients that protect the baby. The mother should focus on providing the child with good-quality food. neither forcing the child to eat after it is full nor withholding food from the child when it appears to want more.
(a) In one sentence summarize the causes of malnutrition
(b) In two sentences, one for each. summarize the two major effects of malnutrition.
(c) In three sentences, one for each summarize the three preventive measures against malnutrition recommended in the passage
Explanation
(a) Malnutrition is caused by infections and a deficiency in the intake of nutrients or an insufficient in-take of nutrients.
(b) (i) Malnutrition causes damage to the body. (ii) Malnutrition gives rise to chronic diseases in adulthood/later life.
(c) (i) Pregnant and nursing women/women of childbearing age/and children should 'feed well.
(ii) The baby/child should be breast fed.
(iii) The baby/child should be given (enough) good-quality food (after it has been weaned).