This indicator assesses the prevalence of malnourished children under five years of age, specifically focusing on those with severe wasting, defined as a weight-for-height z-score below minus three standard deviations from the WHO Child Growth Standards median. Wasting is a critical indicator of acute malnutrition and can have severe health implications, including increased mortality risk and long-term developmental challenges. Monitoring this metric allows for timely interventions targeting at-risk populations, facilitates resource allocation, and informs public health policies. Insights from this data can help governments and organizations address underlying causes of malnutrition, such as food insecurity, inadequate feeding practices, and health care access, ultimately improving child health outcomes and facilitating sustainable development.
Source: