Stunting

Stunting is a condition where a child's growth is slowed or halted due to inadequate nutrition, repeated infections, or insufficient healthcare. It results in shorter stature compared to healthy peers of the same age, reflecting chronic undernutrition during early childhood. Stunting can impair not only physical growth but also brain development, leading to long-term effects on learning, health, and economic productivity. Addressing stunting requires improving access to nutritious food, healthcare, clean water, and sanitation early in a child's life. It is a major public health concern, especially in low- and middle-income regions.