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Impact of Central Asia Stunting Initiative on Stunting and Anemia Among Children and Women of Afghanistan

Chauhadry IA, Jahangir A, Umer M, Rashidi K, Haziq H et al. · 5 Sept 2025

Abstract

Background: Central Asia Stunting Initiative (CASI) is a program to overcome the challenge of malnutrition in the Badakhshan province of Afghanistan. The region faces significant nutritional challenges, particularly among women of reproductive age and children under five. Methods: A pre-post experimental design was used to assess the impact of CASI interventions. Cross-sectional surveys were conducted to collect data from women aged 15–49 and children under five using two-stage stratified random sampling. Data collection included anthropometric measurements and hemoglobin assessments. Results: The results demonstrated improvements in the health indicators. Among children, dietary diversity improved from 7.5% to 20.7% while exclusive breastfeeding rose from 64.0% to 80.9%. The percentage of households having access to safe drinking water and sanitation improved, while food insecurity worsened from 94.7% to 30.5%. Despite these results, stunting declined from 52.3% to 37.3% (p = 0.001, Cohen’s h = 0.30), and a reduction in the prevalence of anemia was also observed. In conclusion, the CASI intervention demonstrated measurable success in decreasing child stunting and improving dietary practices, highlighting the importance of integrated, community-based nutrition programs in enhancing maternal and child health outcomes, particularly in vulnerable areas. Conclusion: This initiative has significantly improved maternal and child nutrition in Afghanistan, resulting in notable reductions in malnutrition indicators. Policymakers should focus on scaling up effective interventions, ensuring continuous monitoring to improve nutrition outcomes for women and children in Afghanistan.