This indicator reflects the proportion of children under five years of age who are identified as underweight based on anthropometric measurements, specifically weight-for-age, relative to the WHO Child Growth Standards. A z-score is calculated, denoting how many standard deviations a child's weight falls below the median; those with scores below -2 SD are deemed undernourished, encompassing those who are even more severely underweight (below -3 SD). Tracking this percentage is crucial for understanding malnutrition trends within populations, providing insights into children's health and nutritional interventions. This data is vital for policymakers and health organizations to design targeted programs, ensuring that vulnerable children receive the necessary support for healthy growth and development.
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