This indicator reflects the proportion of children under five years old who are categorized as underweight based on the World Health Organization's standards, specifically those falling below -2 standard deviations from the median weight-for-age. This measure indicates a critical public health concern, as it encompasses children facing significant nutritional deficits that can impede their growth and development. Underweight status not only highlights immediate nutritional inadequacies but also serves as a predictor for long-term health complications, including increased vulnerability to infectious diseases and cognitive impairments. Tracking these percentages is essential for policymakers, as it informs targeted interventions to improve child nutrition, family health, and overall community resilience against food insecurity and malnutrition.
Source: