This indicator represents the proportion of children under five years of age who experience severe growth deficiencies, specifically those identified as stunted at three standard deviations below the median of the WHO Child Growth Standards. Stunting is a critical marker of chronic malnutrition,
reflecting prolonged nutrient deficiencies and potentially severe disruptions in a child's development. A high percentage in this category signals deep-rooted issues within community health, family nutrition, and socio-economic factors influencing child well-being. Understanding the prevalence of such extreme stunting also aids in assessing the efficacy of public health interventions and policies aimed at improving child nutrition and overall health outcomes, revealing urgent areas for targeted support and resource allocation.
Source: