WHO: Stunted growth - Chapter 1: What is it?

Summary

The video script highlights the critical issue of stunting in children under five, affecting 162 million children in 2012 alone. Stunting, caused by poor nutrition, repeated infections, and inadequate opportunities for growth, can lead to lifelong developmental setbacks. The World Health Organization has set a target to reduce stunted children by 40% by 2025. Preventive measures include proper nutrition, infection control, and fostering environments for play and learning, aiming to ensure children reach their full growth potential.

Takeaways

• 🌟 The mystery of a new life is met with anticipation by parents for their child's milestones like the first smile, words, and steps.
• 😔 Many parents face the tragic and preventable reality of child mortality, with 6.6 million children under five dying in 2012, primarily in resource-poor countries.
• 🍚 Nearly half of these childhood deaths were due to undernutrition, highlighting the critical role of proper nutrition in early childhood.
• 📉 Stunting, a form of impaired growth and development, affected 162 million children under five in 2012 alone, indicating a significant global health issue.
• ✅ The World Health Assembly set an ambitious global target to reduce the number of stunted children by 40% by 2025, aiming to improve the lives of 70 million children.
• 🤔 Stunting is caused by a combination of factors including poor nutrition, repeated infections, and inadequate opportunities for play and learning.
• 🌍 The World Health Organization's standards for child growth are applicable universally, regardless of ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or type of feeding.
• 👶 Stunting begins early, often in the womb, and can have lasting effects on a child's physical and mental development.
• 📊 The first 1,000 days from conception to the age of two are crucial for a child's growth, with significant height deficits already present at birth.
• 🛡️ Preventing stunting involves ensuring adequate nutrition, preventing and treating infections, and providing opportunities for social interaction and learning.

Q & A

What is the significance of a child's 'firsts' in the context of new parents?

New parents look forward to their child's 'firsts' such as the first smile, first words, and first steps, as these milestones are indicators of the child's growth and development. They represent the parents' hopes and aspirations for their child's future.

How many children under the age of five died in 2012, and what was the main cause?

In 2012, an estimated 6.6 million children under the age of five died, mainly in resource-poor countries. Nearly half of these deaths, 45%, were attributed to undernutrition.

What is stunting and how does it affect children's growth and development?

Stunting is impaired growth and development in children due to poor nutrition, repeated infections, and inadequate opportunities for play and learning. It can lead to long-term physical and mental developmental issues, and even increase the risk of non-communicable diseases in adulthood.

What is the global target set by the World Health Assembly to reduce stunting?

The World Health Assembly set a global target to reduce the number of stunted children by 40% by the year 2025.

How does the World Health Organization define stunting in children?

According to the World Health Organization, children are considered stunted if their height is low in relation to their age, as defined by WHO standards that describe normal child growth applicable to all children regardless of ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and type of feeding.

What are the negative consequences of stunting during early life?

Stunting in early life, especially during the first 1,000 days from conception until the age of two, can have negative consequences for a child's physical and mental development, and can lead to increased risk of overweight and nutrition-related chronic diseases in later life.

When does stunting typically begin, and how does it progress in a child's early years?

Stunting typically begins in the womb before the baby is born. A study of Malawian children found that by the time they reached 3 years of age, they were 10 cm shorter than the WHO child growth standard median. The deficit progressed with 20% present at birth, 20% between birth and 6 months, 50% between 6 and 24 months, and the last 10% between ages 2 and 3.

What is the significance of linear growth in early childhood?

Linear growth, or growth in height, in early childhood is a strong marker of healthy growth. It is associated with morbidity and mortality risk, non-communicable diseases in later life, learning capacity, educational performance, adult wages, and economic productivity.

How can stunting be prevented?

Stunting can be prevented by ensuring an adequate intake of nutritious foods, prevention and treatment of infections, and providing opportunities for social interaction, play, and learning, which help a child achieve their full potential for growth and development.

What is the role of the first 1,000 days in a child's growth and development?

The first 1,000 days from conception until the age of two are critical for a child's growth and development. This period is when stunting can have the most significant impact, and it is crucial for providing proper nutrition and care to prevent long-term developmental issues.