The COVID-19 virus-linked hunger is leading to the death of 10,000 children each month, Associated Press (AP) reported referring to the UN data.

Besides, the spread of infection increases the monthly rate in children suffering from acute malnutrition by over 550 thousand. Over a year, that is up 6.7 million from last year’s total of 47 million. The consequences of malnutrition in children include bloating, stunted growth, and impaired mental development.

The projected serious deterioration of the situation is linked to the COVID-19 pandemic and its restrictions, as countries most susceptible to hunger were cut off from the market, and their residents' access to medical care was reduced.

The rise in child mortality for the first time in the past few decades will reverse the progress made in this regard. According to a UNICEF report, the global mortality rate of children under five has been steadily declining since 1980. Moreover, the cause of about 45% of child deaths is malnutrition.