In summary, 42% of all deaths of children younger than five years of age are caused by malnutrition. Diarrhoeal disease associated with malnutrition is the biggest contributor to mortality (15.6%), followed by lower respiratory infections (9.1%). Malnutrition is also associated with 16.6% of the total morbidity. Cycle of poverty and malnutrition, and to waste human potential. Governments will be unable to accelerate economic development over the long term until their children are assured of optimal growth and development.