What are the causes of malnutrition in the Philippines?

The prevailing cause of malnutrition in the Philippines is poverty. Because of poverty, people are not able to consume the appropriate amount of food or nutrients needed for good health.

Lack of money creates a lack of means to buy food. Children are the most susceptible to malnutrition in the Philippines. As they do in many areas where poverty creates malnutrition, the World Health Organization closely monitors the growth and health of kids ages 0-10 years. In the Philippines, this program is called, "Operation Timbang," and it is conducted monthly. Children who participate in the program are weighed, monitored and given supplementary feeding.