This indicator assesses the prevalence of severe malnutrition among children under five, specifically those experiencing stunting, defined as being more than three standard deviations below the median height-for-age as established by the WHO Child Growth Standards. Stunting reflects chronic nutritional deficiencies and impacts a child's physical and cognitive development, often leading to long-term health issues. The percentage calculated signifies the most vulnerable segment of the young population, highlighting regions or communities with critical nutritional crises. Identifying such high-risk groups is essential not only for targeted interventions but also for monitoring progress in health programs aimed at improving child nutrition and reducing mortality rates associated with malnourishment.
Source: