This indicator highlights the prevalence of acute malnutrition among children under five years old, focusing specifically on those exhibiting ‘wasting,’ characterized by a weight-for-height z-score below -2 standard deviations from the World Health Organization (WHO) Child Growth Standards. Wasting reflects a critical nutritional deficiency, often resulting from inadequate dietary intake or severe illness, and serves as a crucial indicator of a child's immediate nutritional status. Tracking this percentage not only sheds light on the health and nutritional challenges faced by vulnerable populations but also helps inform targeted interventions and policy decisions aimed at reducing childhood mortality and
improving overall child health outcomes. The data can reveal discrepancies in child nutrition across regions, enabling stakeholders to allocate resources effectively.
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