Survey reports rising levels of child malnutrition across Nepal.
The largest survey ever conducted among children under five in Nepal found that child malnutrition has reached “alarming” levels following reductions in international aid. More than one million children between six months and five years of age were assessed during a government screening program in May. The results showed that 7.8% of children suffered from wasting, 1.6% from severe wasting, and 17.4% were underweight. In Madhesh province, the wasting rate reached 12.3%, exceeding the World Health Organization threshold for immediate intervention.
Aid cuts have disrupted nutrition programs and community outreach.
The findings were released just over a year after USAID ended funding for child nutrition programs in Nepal. Helen Keller Intl had expected to receive US$72 million over five years to support nearly nine million people in 48 districts, but secured less than US$5 million from other donors, limiting assistance to about 223,000 people in nine districts. Although the government continues purchasing Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), many community outreach activities stopped after the funding cuts, reducing the identification and referral of children requiring treatment.
Experts warn that progress in child survival could be reversed.
Nutrition specialists expressed concern that Nepal could lose progress achieved over the past two decades, during which mortality among children under five declined by 72% between 1996 and 2022. The article also notes that only about 35% of children affected by wasting currently receive treatment. In addition, experts warn that malnutrition increases the risk of death, affects educational outcomes and future productivity, while rising food prices and limited government resources continue to hinder efforts to improve child nutrition.
Reference
Lay, K. (2026, June 26). Child malnutrition in Nepal has reached ‘alarming’ levels since aid cuts, survey finds. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2026/jun/26/child-malnutrition-nepal-child-mortality-usaid-funding-nutrition-programmes