The cost of malnutrition in Jamaica

Economic losses caused by malnutrition are identified. The financial costs of child wastage and treatment of malnutrition in Jamaica is conservatively estimated to be U.S. $1.5 million. Increasing the nutritional intake may raise productivity and increase the gross national product by one half of one per cent. If this was to be achieved the financial resources of Jamaica would be supplemented by more than U.S. $4 million. The identification of the cost of malnutrition and wastage of child may help to justify the time, effort, and money spent on ameliorating nutrition. The evaluation of the costs require further study and examination. (AU)