This indicator reflects the proportion of male children under five years whose height falls more than two standard deviations below the median of a globally established reference population, specifically adhering to the WHO's 2006 Child Growth Standards. Measuring height for infants involves recumbent length, while standing stature is used for children older than two years. Stunting is a critical marker of nutritional deficiency and is often linked to broader issues such as inadequate dietary intake, chronic illness, and socio-economic factors. Monitoring this prevalence is essential for identifying at-risk populations and shaping interventions aimed at improving child health, nutrition policies, and overall developmental outcomes in early childhood.
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