This indicator measures the proportion of children under five years old who exhibit a weight for height that falls significantly below the international median, specifically more than two standard deviations. Such a condition, known as wasting, reflects acute malnutrition and is often indicative of insufficient dietary intake or underlying health issues. Children who are wasted face a higher risk of morbidity and mortality, as their bodies are less equipped to fend off illness. Monitoring this statistic is crucial for understanding the
nutritional status of vulnerable populations, enabling targeted interventions to improve child health, enhance food security, and develop evidence-based policies aimed at reducing malnutrition in children worldwide. Accurate tracking can also reveal trends and help identify areas in need of urgent support.
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