The Grenada Food and Nutrition Council (GFNC) has released the 2024 Daycare Survey Report, revealing critical insights into the nutritional status of young children attending daycare centres across Grenada and Carriacou.
This annual survey, conducted by GFNC’s Surveillance Department and executed by the council’s community officers, aims to evaluate the health and nutritional status of children aged 3 months to 3 years enrolled in government and private Child Development Centres.
Key Findings:
- High Prevalence of Normal Nutritional Status: The survey assessed 854 children across 46 daycare centres, including 35 private and 11 government-assisted centres. An encouraging 93% of the children fell within the Normal BMI-for-age (BAZ -2 to +2) range, indicating that most children are receiving adequate and balanced nutrition
- Overweight and Obesity Concerns: The report highlighted a concerning rise in overweight and obesity rates among young children. About 6.4% of the surveyed population was classified as overweight or obese, with a notable prevalence among boys, who constituted over 62% of the affected group
- Underweight and Wasting: The survey found that undernutrition, as indicated by wasting (low weight-for-height), remains relatively low, with only 0.8% of children categorised as wasted and 0.1% as severely wasted. This suggests that extreme undernutrition is not widespread among the daycare population
- Stunting Issues: Stunting, which reflects chronic malnutrition, affected 6.8% of the children surveyed, with a higher prevalence among boys. This finding underscores the need for targeted nutritional interventions to address the underlying causes of stunting, such as inadequate diet quality and diversity
- Regional Disparities: The survey also identified regional variations in nutritional status, with Carriacou and St Andrew showing higher rates of overweight, obesity, and stunting compared to other parishes. No cases of wasting were recorded in Carriacou, but 12.8% of children were overweight or obese, and 8.5% were stunted
- Comparison of Government vs Private Daycares: The report found that children in private daycare centres had higher rates of stunting (7.2%) compared to those in government centres (5.8%), while overweight and obesity rates were higher in government daycares (7.3%)
Survey Methodology:
The survey was conducted over a 2-month period, from 12 February to 12 April 2024. Anthropometric measurements, including weight and height, were collected using standardised equipment and procedures. Data were analysed using the World Health Organisation (WHO) Anthro software, which assessed growth and nutritional status based on indices such as BMI-for-Age (BAZ) and Height-for-Age (HAZ).
Implications and Next Steps:
The findings of the 2024 Daycare Survey highlight the ongoing need for comprehensive nutritional interventions and education programmes targeted at both parents and caregivers.
GFNC’s Surveillance Officer Gardeina Savoury stated, “While we are encouraged by the high percentage of children within the normal range, the increasing rates of overweight, obesity, and stunting are concerning. Our focus will be on implementing tailored programmes that address these specific issues and support the health and development of our nation’s children.”
The council has partnered with the Department of Public Health and Preventive medicine at St George’s University to conduct a needs assessment in Child Development centres and preschools that would assist us in creating targeted interventions.
This year’s preschool survey will begin on 11 September and will be carried out among 80% of government and private institutions, across the State of Grenada.
Call to Action:
GFNC calls on all stakeholders, including parents, healthcare providers, and policymakers, to collaborate in promoting healthy eating habits and active lifestyles for children. The council remains committed to monitoring and addressing the nutritional needs of Grenada’s youngest population through regular surveys and community outreach.
For more information or to view the full 2024 Daycare Survey Report, please visit the GFNC website [email protected] or contact 473-440-2126.
GFNC
