North Korean Children's Health and the Role of Maternal and Child Health Experts

Abstract

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the health indicators and nutritional status of North Korean children have improved steadily since 2010. However, malnutrition remains a serious condition, with 19.1% of children stunted. in addition, although the nutritional status of North Korean refugee children has gradually improved since they settled in South Korea, a rapid increase in obesity rates has put them under a double burden of malnutrition and obesity. For the health of North Korean children who are at risk because of the recent rapid increase in coronavirus disease 2019 cases in North Korea, maternal and child health experts should work together to request immediate humanitarian assistance from the international community and the South Korean government. Furthermore, it is necessary to develop a maternal and child health program in preparation for the resumption of inter-Korean exchanges and cooperation in the future.