This indicator reflects the
prevalence of severe stunting among children under five years of age, specifically representing those whose height-for-age z-scores fall below three standard deviations from the World Health Organization's (WHO) median growth standards. Stunting is a critical marker of chronic malnutrition, often resulting from inadequate nutrition over extended periods, poor health conditions, and socio-economic factors. Children categorized as stunted face heightened risks of delayed cognitive development, decreased educational attainment, and increased susceptibility to diseases. Monitoring this percentage, particularly in the context of quarterly assessments, is essential for evaluating the effectiveness of nutritional interventions and formulating policy actions aimed at improving child health and nutritional outcomes in vulnerable populations.
Source: