DETAILED COGNITIVE, ACADEMIC, AND BEHAVIORAL IMPACTS

PAN'GA FOR MATERNAL WELLNESS

Supporting mothers through nourishment, care, and compassionate support — before, during, and after pregnancy.

POOR NUTRITION AND INFANT MORTALITY

Poor nutrition significantly drives infant mortality in Georgia (the country) and contributes to Georgia (the U.S. state)'s high rates, primarily by causing low birth weight, anemia, and micronutrient deficiencies, which increase risks from infections and complications, with issues like lack of breastfeeding, poverty, and inadequate prenatal care worsening the problem, particularly in vulnerable populations.

Malnutrition, especially maternal malnutrition, directly links to preterm birth and low birth weight, which drastically raises infant death risks, while deficiencies in nutrients like folic acid impair development.

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KEY IMPACTS OF POOR NUTRITION ON INFANT MORTALITY

We Nourish, Not Just Feed

Poor maternal diet before and during pregnancy leads to low birth weight (LBW), with WHO noting 20 times higher mortality risk for infants under 2500g at birth.

Micronutrient deficiencies

Anemia and lack of folic acid in pregnant women in Georgia (country) contribute to higher infant mortality and cognitive deficits.

Weakened immunity

Malnourished infants are more vulnerable to fatal childhood illnesses like pneumonia and diarrhea.

Frequently asked questions

DETAILED IMPACTS AND INTERVENTIONS

1. WEAKENED IMMUNITY Malnourished infants have underdeveloped immune systems, making them highly vulnerable to common childhood illnesses that are often treatable, such as pneumonia, measles, and diarrhea. 2. INCREASED INFECTION RISK Malnutrition and infections create a vicious cycle; infections worsen malnutrition, and malnutrition makes infections deadlier. 3. STUNTING & WASTING • Stunting (too short for age) signifies chronic malnutrition, while wasting (too thin for height) indicates acute malnutrition, both drastically increasing death risk. • Millions of deaths are linked to wasting and stunting annually. 4. MATERNAL MALNUTRITION Poor nutrition in pregnant mothers leads to low birth weight, birth defects, and maternal complications, all major infant mortality factors. CRITICAL NUTRITIONAL FACTORS & INTERVENTIONS • Breastfeeding: Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months is crucial, reducing mortality from diarrhea and infections by providing vital nutrients and antibodies. • Early Complementary Foods: Inadequate nutrient-rich foods after six months significantly raise mortality risk, as seen in studies showing benefits from fortified supplements. • Micronutrients: Deficiencies in vitamins and minerals (like in fortified peanut butter pastes) can reduce child mortality by over 20% in vulnerable populations. STATISTICS • Nutrition-related factors contribute to about 45% of deaths in children under 5 years old. • In 2021, malnutrition was linked to 2.4 million deaths in children under five. INTERVENTIONS Integrated approaches addressing both malnutrition and infectious diseases, alongside improving maternal nutrition, breastfeeding, and access to nutrient-rich foods, are essential to reduce infant mortality.

WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT

MATERNAL HEALTH CRISIS

Georgia has high maternal mortality, with preventable deaths linked to poor maternal health and nutritional status.

ACCESS TO CARE & POVERTY

Limited access to maternity care in many counties and high poverty levels are linked to increased infant mortality.

INADEQUATE BREASTFEEDING

A decline in breastfeeding rates (especially in the post-Soviet era) increased infant illness and death by losing crucial nutrition, note the National Institutes of Health and Transparency International.

IN SUMMARY

Providing health nutritious meals, fresh produce, nutritional education, access to pre-natal care, wellness centered around pre-natal care, and access to health care support will make an immediate impact on lowering the infant mortality rate.

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FACTS ABOUT INFANT MORTALITY

Half of all child deaths are linked to malnutrition. Improving the nutrition of mothers and children could save many lives at a relatively low cost.

50%

Half of all child deaths are linked to malnutrition

4.7M

In 2021, 4.7 million children under age five died; 2.4 million attributed to malnutrition

CHILD DEATHS BY MALNUTRITION RISK FACTOR

Low birth weight

1.54 million

Underweight

509,000

Wasting

379,000

Stunting

311,000

Suboptimal breastfeeding

101,000

Data source: IHME, Global Burden of Disease (2024) – OurWorldinData.org/child-mortality | CC BY

In 2021, 4.7 million children under the age of five died; 2.4 million of those were attributed to child and maternal malnutrition. That means around half of child deaths were linked to nutritional deficiencies. When you think about these deaths, you might imagine a very acute form of hunger: a starving child. While this can happen during famines or in areas with very low levels of food availability, it's only a small fraction of the total deaths linked to malnutrition. In most cases, children don't die of malnutrition. They die from conditions that are exacerbated or are triggered by it. In most cases, it's a risk factor for premature death. Take the example of the risk factor of smoking. People die from lung cancer, but their risk of developing it is significantly increased if they've been a smoker. You can read more about how risk factors are calculated and how they should be interpreted, in an article by my colleague, Saloni Dattani. CHILD DEATHS ATTRIBUTED TO NUTRITIONAL RISK FACTORS By far, the biggest is low birth weight, which often happens because the mother is malnourished or has experienced infectious diseases during pregnancy. Infants that are born with a low birth weight — which the World Health Organization defines as weighing less than 2,500 grams or 5.5 pounds — have a much higher risk of infant mortality and health complications. After the first few weeks or months of life, children are also more vulnerable to infection and disease when they're underweight or are malnourished and don't develop at a healthy rate. Hundreds of thousands die as a result of "wasting", which means their weight is too low for their height. Or "stunting", meaning they are too short for their age. Note that individual risk factors can overlap, such that deaths attributed to all forms of malnutrition can be lower than the sum of all individual nutrition-related risk factors. This is not only about getting enough calories. Children are also malnourished when they don't eat diverse foods, so they don't get enough protein, vitamins, and micronutrients. Data source: IHME, Global Burden of Disease (2024) – Learn more about this data OurWorldinData.org/child-mortality | CC BY

GLOBAL MALNUTRITION RISK FACTORS

Child deaths attributed to malnutrition by risk factor, World, 2021

Low birth weight

1.54 million

Underweight

509,000

Wasting

379,000

Stunting

311,000

Suboptimal breastfeeding

101,000

Vitamin-A deficiency

17,400

Zinc deficiency

1,610

Poor nutrition, especially undernutrition, significantly drives infant mortality by weakening immune systems, increasing susceptibility to infections like pneumonia and diarrhea, and causing stunting/wasting, with malnutrition linked to nearly half of under-5 deaths globally, highlighting the critical role of maternal health, breastfeeding, and early complementary feeding in saving lives.

UNDERSTANDING OVERLAPPING RISK FACTORS Note that individual risk factors can overlap, such that deaths attributed to all forms of malnutrition can be lower than the sum of all individual nutrition-related risk factors. DEFINITIONS • Low Birth Weight: Infants weighing less than 2,500 grams (5.5 pounds) at birth, often due to maternal malnutrition or infectious diseases during pregnancy. • Wasting: Weight is too low for height, indicating acute malnutrition. • Stunting: Too short for age, signifying chronic malnutrition. INCOME AND MALNUTRITION DEATHS Death rates from malnutrition are much higher in low-income countries, where children often don't get the diversity of nutrients they need and where infectious diseases are much more common. In rich countries, rates are 20 to 50 times lower than in the poorest countries. Data source: IHME, Global Burden of Disease (2024); Eurostat, OECD, IMF, and World Bank (2025) – Learn more about this data OurWorldinData.org/hunger-and-undernourishment | CC BY

PROGRESS AND HOPE

THE WORLD IS MAKING PROGRESS DUE TO IMPROVEMENTS IN MALNUTRITION AND TACKLING INFECTIOUS DISEASES

Thankfully, we know that we can make progress on this problem. That's because the world has already made progress. Fewer children are dying from malnutrition than a few decades ago.

The chart below shows the IHME's estimates of the number of child deaths related to malnutrition since 1990.

Around 6.6 million deaths were linked to these risks in 1990. By 2021, this had fallen to around 2.4 million.

63% decrease

in malnutrition-related child deaths since 1990

NUTRITION AND LEARNING IMPACT

Poor nutrition significantly harms learning by impairing cognitive functions like memory and focus, increasing behavioral issues, lowering test scores, and causing long-term developmental deficits, especially during critical early childhood periods when essential nutrients are vital for proper brain growth, leading to poorer academic outcomes, increased absenteeism, and social struggles. Inadequate intake of proteins, healthy fats, vitamins (like Iron, Zinc, B12, D), and hydration reduces brain cell production and communication, while chronic hunger leads to difficulty concentrating, aggression, and impaired problem-solving.

IMPAIRED FOCUS & MEMORY

Affects recall, problem-solving, and verbal skills

LOWER ACHIEVEMENT

Linked to poorer grades and lower test scores

BEHAVIORAL PROBLEMS

Associated with aggression and inattention

SLOWER DEVELOPMENT

Hinders language and motor skill development

COGNITIVE & ACADEMIC EFFECTS • Impaired Focus & Memory: Hunger and nutrient deficiencies make it hard to concentrate, affecting recall, problem-solving, and verbal skills. • Lower Achievement: Linked to poorer grades, lower test scores (math/reading), and higher chances of repeating a grade. • Slower Development: Malnutrition, particularly in early life, hinders language and fine motor skill development. BEHAVIORAL & SOCIAL EFFECTS • Behavioral Problems: Associated with increased aggression, inattention, irritability, and suspensions. • Social Difficulties: Can lead to impaired social skills and trouble getting along with peers. KEY NUTRITIONAL FACTORS • Micronutrients: Iron (anemia), Zinc, Iodine, Folate, Choline, and B vitamins are crucial for brain development. • Omega-3s & Vitamin D: May improve attention and mood in vulnerable children. • Hydration: Dehydration causes fatigue and poor concentration. • Balanced Meals: Protein, carbs, and fats keep children full and provide sustained energy. LONG-TERM CONSEQUENCES Food insecurity in childhood can result in deficits that persist into adulthood, affecting coping skills and increasing risks for mood disorders and substance use in teens. THE SOLUTION Nourishing Early Life: Optimal nutrition in the first 1000 days is critical for lifelong cognitive health. School-Based Programs: School meals and breakfast programs are vital interventions that improve academic performance and reduce hunger-related issues, though stigma can be a barrier.

THE SOLUTION

Together, we can tackle the nutrition crisis and save children's lives through comprehensive care and support.

NOURISHING EARLY LIFE

Optimal nutrition in the first 1000 days is critical for lifelong cognitive health and development.

SCHOOL-BASED PROGRAMS

School meals and breakfast programs are vital interventions that improve academic performance.

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PAN'GA FOR MATERNAL WELLNESS

POOR NUTRITION AND INFANT MORTALITY

KEY IMPACTS OF POOR NUTRITION ON INFANT MORTALITY

We Nourish, Not Just Feed

Poor maternal diet before and during pregnancy leads to low birth weight (LBW), with WHO noting 20 times higher mortality risk for infants under 2500g at birth.

Micronutrient deficiencies

Anemia and lack of folic acid in pregnant women in Georgia (country) contribute to higher infant mortality and cognitive deficits.

Weakened immunity

Malnourished infants are more vulnerable to fatal childhood illnesses like pneumonia and diarrhea.

Frequently asked questions

DETAILED IMPACTS AND INTERVENTIONS

WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT

MATERNAL HEALTH CRISIS

ACCESS TO CARE & POVERTY

INADEQUATE BREASTFEEDING

IN SUMMARY

Providing health nutritious meals, fresh produce, nutritional education, access to pre-natal care, wellness centered around pre-natal care, and access to health care support will make an immediate impact on lowering the infant mortality rate.

FACTS ABOUT INFANT MORTALITY

Half of all child deaths are linked to malnutrition. Improving the nutrition of mothers and children could save many lives at a relatively low cost.

50%

Half of all child deaths are linked to malnutrition

4.7M

In 2021, 4.7 million children under age five died; 2.4 million attributed to malnutrition

CHILD DEATHS BY MALNUTRITION RISK FACTOR

Low birth weight

1.54 million

Underweight

509,000

Wasting

379,000

Stunting

311,000

Suboptimal breastfeeding

101,000

Data source: IHME, Global Burden of Disease (2024) – OurWorldinData.org/child-mortality | CC BY

FULL CONTEXT AND EXPLANATION

GLOBAL MALNUTRITION RISK FACTORS

Child deaths attributed to malnutrition by risk factor, World, 2021

Low birth weight

1.54 million

Underweight

509,000

Wasting

379,000

Stunting

311,000

Suboptimal breastfeeding

101,000

Vitamin-A deficiency

17,400

Zinc deficiency

1,610

CHART EXPLANATION AND DATA SOURCE

PROGRESS AND HOPE

THE WORLD IS MAKING PROGRESS DUE TO IMPROVEMENTS IN MALNUTRITION AND TACKLING INFECTIOUS DISEASES

Thankfully, we know that we can make progress on this problem. That's because the world has already made progress. Fewer children are dying from malnutrition than a few decades ago.

The chart below shows the IHME's estimates of the number of child deaths related to malnutrition since 1990.

Around 6.6 million deaths were linked to these risks in 1990. By 2021, this had fallen to around 2.4 million.

63% decrease

in malnutrition-related child deaths since 1990

NUTRITION AND LEARNING IMPACT

IMPAIRED FOCUS & MEMORY

LOWER ACHIEVEMENT

BEHAVIORAL PROBLEMS

SLOWER DEVELOPMENT