Russell Sharman Knihy

This important and hopeful book addresses the urgent global issue of childhood malnutrition and the revolutionary strides being made to combat it. The author, a celebrated writer known for her luminous prose and humane perspective, emphasizes that a healthy Earth relies on healthy children. Currently, nearly one in four children worldwide suffers from stunted growth and development due to inadequate nutrition, leading to a lifetime of diminished potential. Over the past thirty years, significant advances have transformed our approach to treating malnourished children. With a better understanding of nutrition and innovative outreach to mothers and infants, we have shifted from inadvertently harming severely malnourished children to restoring their health through "miracle" ready-to-eat therapeutic foods. The narrative intertwines the experiences of scientists and nutrition experts dedicated to eradicating malnutrition, alongside the author’s travels to Malawi, a nation grappling with extreme poverty and food scarcity. In this context, she explores successful programs aimed at reducing childhood stunting and highlights the connections between child nutrition, climate change, and the empowerment of women as a crucial factor in addressing these challenges. Through her personal journey in Malawi, known as "the warm heart of Africa," the author sheds light on the costs and implications of ending childhood malnutrition.