Nearly one million children around the world die before reaching their fifth birthday each year due to health consequences linked to child growth failure (CGF), according to the latest Global Burden of Disease 2023 study published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health.
CGF is now the third leading risk factor for mortality and morbidity in children under five, with most deaths occurring in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
Regional Disparities and Leading Indicators
The number of deaths associated with CGF has declined from 2.75 million in 2000 to 880,000 in 2023, but the burden remains severe. Sub-Saharan Africa recorded 618,000 deaths, while South Asia saw 165,000. Underweight accounts for 12% of all under-five deaths, wasting for 9%, and stunting for 8%. Researchers found that stunting affects more children than previously estimated, signaling a hidden crisis.
Links to Infectious Diseases and Vulnerability
CGF increases the risk of death and disability from diseases such as lower respiratory infections, diarrheal diseases, malaria, and measles. In sub-Saharan Africa, 77% of diarrheal disease deaths and 65% of lower respiratory infection deaths among children under five in 2023 were linked to CGF. In South Asia, the figures were 79% and 53%, respectively. High-income regions have much lower rates, at 33% and 35%.
Drivers and Interventions
The causes of CGF are complex and cumulative, including feeding issues, food insecurity, climate change, poor sanitation, and conflict. Most stunted infants show signs of growth failure within the first three months of life, highlighting the need for early interventions before and during pregnancy. Stunting and wasting create a destructive cycle, increasing vulnerability as children grow older.
FAQ: Child Growth Failure
What is child growth failure? It refers to stunting, wasting, and underweight, all forms of malnutrition in children.
Why is CGF more common in certain regions? Factors include poverty, food insecurity, lack of healthcare, and poor sanitation.
Can CGF be reversed? Early detection and intervention are crucial, as stunting is difficult to reverse later in life.
What can be done to reduce CGF? Improving nutrition, healthcare access, and sanitation, and addressing root causes like poverty and climate change.