This indicator reflects the proportion of children under five years who experience severe stunting, defined as a height-for-age z-score falling below three standard deviations from the median of the WHO Child Growth Standards. Stunting, a
critical measure of chronic malnutrition, signals long-term nutritional inadequacies that can hinder physical growth and cognitive development. The percentage identified as severely stunted not only highlights immediate public health challenges but also underscores the impact of socio-economic factors, food security, and health interventions on child nutrition. Monitoring this metric is essential for policymakers and health practitioners aiming to implement effective strategies to combat malnutrition and improve the well-being of future generations.
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