Impact of Malnutrition on Child Development & Education

Updated on October 23, 2025
by Waleed
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The impact of malnutrition on child development & education is profound and far-reaching. When children experience inadequate nutrition, whether it’s under-nutrition, stunting, wasting, or deficiency of essential vitamins and minerals, the consequences become obvious across their physical health, emotional wellbeing, cognitive development, schooling and ultimately education outcomes. In low- and middle-income countries especially, the burden of malnutrition in children remains a major barrier to human capital formation. In this blog we will explore what malnutrition in children means; look at the impacts on child development (physical, emotional, intellectual); then examine the impacts on education; next discuss how malnutrition affects national GDP; focus on the situation in Sudan and finally review SAPA’s efforts to mitigate malnutrition in Sudanese children.

What is Malnutrition in Children?

“Malnutrition in children” refers broadly to both under-nutrition (insufficient intake of calories or nutrients) and imbalances (including micronutrient deficiencies) that impair development. According to the World Health Organization, Nutrition Landscape Information System (NLiS), malnutrition covers stunting (low height-for-age), wasting (low weight-for-height), underweight (low weight-for-age) and micronutrient deficiencies.

Globally, more than 150 million children under five are stunted, and around 42.8 million children under five are wasted (in 2024) as per UNICEF data. Stunting is especially prevalent in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.

Why does this matter? Because early childhood is a critical time for growth (physically, neurologically and cognitively). According to Research Gate, when children fail to get the nutrients they need, especially during the first 1,000 days, their brain and body development may be permanently hampered.

Impact of Malnutrition on Child Development:

– Physical Development

One of the earliest and most obvious consequences of malnutrition in children is impaired physical growth and development. Children who are stunted or wasted experience a delay or failure in achieving growth milestones (such as crawling, walking, height/weight benchmarks). For instance, in a study by Concern Worldwide, children who are stunted have tissue damage within the brain, limiting the overall growth of the brain.

Chronic under-nutrition also weakens the immune system, making children more susceptible to infections, diarrhoeal disease, pneumonia and higher mortality. The World Food Programme (WFP) estimates that undernutrition is the underlying cause in almost half of all deaths in children under 5 globally.

– Emotional and Psychosocial Development

The effects of malnutrition extend into emotional and social domains. Malnourished children may experience greater irritability, anxiety, depression, behavioural issues (e.g., aggression, impulsivity). According to the Concern article, children in classrooms suffering from malnutrition may present with behavioural challenges, such as irritability, anxiety, aggression, impulsivity and conduct disorder which interfere with engagement in lessons.

In addition, delays in physical growth and cognitive ability can affect a child’s self-esteem, social integration and motivation to engage in school and peer interaction. The interplay between nutritional status and emotional/psychosocial development is increasingly recognized in neuroscience and child development literature.

– Intellectual and Cognitive Development

Malnutrition in children critically impacts brain development, reducing attention span, memory, and learning ability. Studies show that early malnutrition alters brain structure, shrinking grey matter and slowing myelination, which are essential for communication between brain cells

Children who are stunted or undernourished often have lower IQs, delayed language and motor skills, and persistent academic difficulties. According to Concern Worldwide, the brain’s ability to process, move and communicate is damaged. Children who face stunting often lose out on the opportunity to reach their full potential. Early nutritional deficiencies, particularly in protein, iron, iodine, and fatty acids, disrupt synapse formation and cognitive growth.

Impact of Malnutrition on Education:

– Reduced School Attendance and Participation

Children experiencing under-nutrition or micronutrient deficiency often have low energy levels, frequent illness, and delayed motor or developmental milestones, all of which hinder regular attendance. For example, schools may receive children who struggle with fatigue and concentration. According to CPOMS, children who are malnourished may struggle with low energy levels and may appear to be overly tired in school.

– Impaired Academic Performance

Malnutrition directly affects the child’s ability to focus, recall and retain information. The Concern Worldwide article reports that malnutrition within the classroom impair(s) their ability to focus, recall and retain information delays in language development and problem-solving.

Another statistic from CPOMS: “children who are malnourished early in life are 19% less likely to be able to read a simple sentence aged 8, and 12% less likely to be able to write a simple sentence than healthy children.”

– Longer‐term Educational Attainment Loss

Children who begin their schooling disadvantaged by malnutrition are more likely to drop out early, repeat grades or never complete primary schooling. Lower cognitive capacity, behaviour/attention problems, weak foundation in early years all contribute to this. The systematic review by Kirolos et al. states that childhood malnutrition is associated with reduced academic achievement.

– Behavioural and Social Disruption in Class

As noted above, malnutrition may lead to behavioral problems (irritability, impulsivity) and language delays. These can impair a child’s ability to engage with lessons, follow instructions, or participate in peer-group learning. As Concern’s article notes: “Behavioural challenges make it difficult for children to engage with lessons or be understood by teachers and peers.”

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Malnutrition in Sudanese Children

According to UNICEF Sudan, approximately 3 million children under age five suffer from malnutrition annually in Sudan; among them over 610,000 suffer from severe acute malnutrition (SAM). The WHO reports that in Central Darfur acute malnutrition among children under-5 is 15.6 %, in the ZamZam camp close to 30%.

Causes & Exacerbating Factors

Conflict: Sudan has been afflicted by armed conflict, displacement, destroying food systems and health infrastructure.
Food insecurity: Worsened by climate shocks, displacement and disrupted supply chains.
Maternal malnutrition: For example more than 33% of pregnant and breastfeeding women in a camp were malnourished; children born to malnourished mothers are already disadvantaged.
Limited access to education, health services and aid in many parts of the country.

Impacts on Children

In Sudan, children suffering from malnutrition are at increased risk of mortality: “malnourished children up to 11 times more likely to die than a well-nourished child.” Delayed school entry, repeated illness, impaired cognition mean that many Sudanese children face huge barriers to education and development.

With 3million+ under 5s malnourished annually, and a possible “lost generation” facing impaired development and education, Sudan’s human capital is under serious threat. Given the links between nutrition, schooling, cognitive ability and economic production, this situation has long-term implications for Sudan’s growth and stability.

SAPA’s Efforts to Mitigate Malnutrition in Sudan’s Children

SAPA continues to fight the devastating impact of malnutrition in Sudan by combining medical relief, nutrition support, and community education. Through its on-ground medical missions and partnerships, SAPA delivers emergency infant care kits, therapeutic feeding supplies, and maternal child health services in displacement areas. These interventions not only treat severe malnutrition but also help prevent long-term developmental damage.

By supporting local clinics and mother-care initiatives, SAPA strengthens early detection and treatment of malnourished children, ensuring they receive life-saving care during the critical first 1,000 days. Its school-based programs link nutrition with education, helping children return to classrooms healthier and ready to learn.

>> DONATE NOW To Solve The Hunger Crisis In Sudan!

FAQs

1. What is the difference between stunting and wasting in children?

Stunting refers to low height-for-age and reflects chronic under-nutrition (often over many months/years). Wasting refers to low weight-for-height and reflects acute under-nutrition (shorter term, severe weight loss). Both impact child development and education.

2. At what age is the impact of malnutrition on the brain most severe?

The first 1,000 days (from conception to around age two) represent a critical window for brain growth and development. Nutritional deficits in this period can cause irreversible damage in synapse formation, myelination and brain structure.

3. Can children recover from malnutrition if treated later?

While some physical growth and some cognitive/educational recovery may be possible, many studies show that early malnutrition leaves long-term deficits in brain function (attention, executive functioning) and academic outcomes.

4. How does poor nutrition affect a child’s performance in school?

Poor nutrition can lead to fatigue, low energy, attention/behaviour problems, language, all of which hamper school attendance, focus, retention of information, and ultimately academic and social success.

5. What role can NGOs like SAPA play in addressing this issue?

NGOs can support screening and treatment of malnutrition, promote complementary feeding and micronutrients, link nutrition with education (e.g., school feeding), build community awareness, and advocate for policy change and funding.

6. What are the most common causes of malnutrition in children?

Malnutrition in children often results from a combination of poverty, food insecurity, poor maternal health, conflict, and lack of access to healthcare. In countries like Sudan, war and displacement have severely disrupted food systems and medical services.

7. How does malnutrition in early childhood affect adulthood?

Early malnutrition can lead to irreversible stunting, reduced cognitive capacity, and lower economic productivity in adulthood. Research shows adults who were malnourished as children earn up to 20% less income than their peers.

8. Can education help reduce malnutrition?

Yes. Educating mothers and communities about nutrition, breastfeeding, and hygiene practices significantly lowers childhood malnutrition rates. School feeding programs also encourage attendance and provide essential nutrients for learning.

9. What is the link between maternal malnutrition and child health?

Children born to malnourished mothers face higher risks of low birth weight, stunting, and developmental delays. Maternal nutrition during pregnancy and lactation is crucial for the child’s brain and body growth.

10. How can individuals and donors help SAPA combat child malnutrition in Sudan?

Individuals can contribute by donating, volunteering, or spreading awareness of SAPA’s programs. Even small donations help provide nutrition kits, safe delivery equipment, and health services to displaced families.

Impact of Malnutrition on Child Development & Education

What is Malnutrition in Children?