CHILDHOOD MALNUTRITION: GLOBAL AND REGIONAL PERSPECTIVES

Childhood malnutrition remains a critical public health problem worldwide, driving substantial levels of illness, death, impaired neurodevelopment, and reduced economic productivity. Although many countries have made gains in reducing undernutrition, numerous regions now face a dual burden of undernutrition and overweight, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This review outlines the current global and regional distribution of childhood malnutrition, discusses its main determinants, and summarizes key policy and programmatic responses.