WHO Global Database on Child Growth and Malnutrition
Department of Nutrition for Health and Development

"We are guilty of many errors and many faults, but our worst crime is abandoning the children, neglecting the foundation of life. Many of the things we need can wait. The child cannot. Right now is the time his bones are being formed, his blood is being made and his senses are being developed. To him we cannot answer "Tomorrow". His name is "Today"."

- Gabriela Mistral, 1948


I came upon this quote as I was researching on child growth and malnutrition for an assignment. This is a powerful message with truth written all over it. I am not even going to try to explain this one as this message is pretty self-explanatory. It's essence speaks in volumes.

However, I will add that I have witnessed this 'crime' occurring in all parts of the world. The difference is its degree of severity, nature and subtleness in these different parts of the world. Not one nation is free of fault. Not one nation can say that crimes against children do not occur.