Peer-reviewed article
Child Nutrition and Development in the SDG Era: Progress, Gaps, and the Challenges of Preventing Stunting and Wasting by 2030
Saira Afzal, Taimia Ayub ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This paper reviews global progress in reducing child malnutrition, with a focus on stunting and wasting. It identifies key drivers of malnutrition including inadequate diets, poverty, food insecurity, infections, poor maternal health, and weak health systems. The authors argue that stunting and wasting remain major public health challenges, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, and call for integrated, evidence-based interventions to meet SDG targets by 2030.
Key points
- Stunting and wasting remain major public health challenges despite global progress in reducing child malnutrition
- Key factors driving malnutrition include inadequate diets, poverty, food insecurity, infections, and poor maternal health
- Limited access to essential health and nutrition services is a significant barrier
- Integrated interventions are needed, including improved infant and young child feeding and maternal nutrition
- Stronger health systems are essential to achieve SDG malnutrition reduction targets by 2030
Limitations
This is a narrative review of progress and challenges without primary data or specific country-level analysis. The document does not provide quantitative evidence on the effectiveness of specific interventions or detailed epidemiological data on stunting and wasting rates.
Abstract
Child nutrition is a critical component of sustainable development, particularly within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Despite global progress in reducing child malnutrition, stunting and wasting remain major public health challenges, especially in low- and middle-income countries. This paper examines progress, persistent gaps, and key challenges in preventing stunting and wasting among children by 2030. It highlights the roles of inadequate diets, poverty, food insecurity, infections, poor maternal health, and limited access to essential health and nutrition services. The study emphasizes the need for integrated, evidence-based interventions, including improved infant and young child feeding, maternal nutrition, food security, disease prevention, and stronger health systems. Accelerated and coordinated action is essential to achieve meaningful reductions in child malnutrition and advance progress toward the SDG targets by 2030.