In DPR Korea, malnutrition is impeding the survival and growth of children in their most crucial period of development. According to the most recent nutrition assessment carried out by the DPRK government, UNICEF and WFP in 2002, the prevalence of wasting and stunting in children under 7 years of age is 9% and 42%, respectively. The main causes of child mortality are diarrhoea and respiratory infections combined with malnutrition.  According to UNICEF “these very high levels of malnutrition indicate that there are serious problems for both the physical growth and psychosocial development of young children. These have far-reaching consequences affecting the whole of their lives. Recent international research has shown that retarded growth and development in the youngest years cannot be later regained or compensated for”.

Seven-year-old  Kim, Soo Nam has second-degree malnutrition.
^{Photo: Hannah Visser}

Six-year-old Kim, Cheol Min has second-degree malnutrition.
^{Photo: Susan Ritchie}

Two seven-year-old boys at an orphanage in Wonsan
^{Photo: Andrea Rose}

These babies have first and second degree malnutrition.
^{Photo: Kelly Sheehan}

Girls at Wonsan orphanage share smiles with First Steps visitors
^{Photo: Andrea Rose}

Caregiver with malnourished baby at Wonsan orphanage.
^{Photo: Susan Cox}