This indicator provides a critical
insight into the prevalence of stunting among children under five, reflecting chronic undernutrition. It measures the percentage of these children whose height-for-age falls more than two standard deviations below the median of the World Health Organization's Child Growth Standards, thus indicating growth failure. Stunting not only signifies immediate nutritional deficits but also carries long-term repercussions, affecting cognitive development and health. Tracking this percentage in the fourth quarter allows for the identification of seasonal variations and the effectiveness of interventions. Understanding the prevalence of stunting helps policymakers design targeted nutritional programs and enhance food security strategies to combat child malnutrition and promote healthier future generations.
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