This indicator measures the
proportion of children under the age of five who are experiencing severe wasting, defined as having a weight-for-height z-score below three standard deviations from the median of the WHO Child Growth Standards. Wasting indicates acute malnutrition, often resulting from inadequate dietary intake, disease, or both, and poses a significant risk to child health and development. A high percentage of severely wasted children highlights critical public health challenges and can signal
underlying issues such as food insecurity, healthcare access, and the effects of recent crises or conflicts. Monitoring this indicator is essential for identifying vulnerable populations and formulating targeted interventions to improve the nutritional status and overall well-being of young children.
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