Prevalence of stunting, height for age (modeled estimate, % of children under 5)

Stunting in early childhood is a critical public health indicator reflecting the long-term effects of malnutrition, inadequate health care, and unfavorable living conditions. This measure represents the proportion of children under five years old whose height is over two standard deviations below the median height established by the international reference population. For infants and toddlers under two, measurements are taken while lying down, whereas older children are assessed standing. This indicator uses data derived from the WHO's 2006 Child Growth Standards, highlighting the importance of early childhood growth as a foundation for physical and cognitive development. Addressing stunting can lead to significant improvements in children's health, education, and productivity in the future. Source: