Madhesh leads in wasting, Karnali in stunting
Summary
A recent national assessment reveals worsening child malnutrition in Nepal with over 200,000 children under five suffering from wasting and 26 percent affected by stunting, especially in Madhesh and Karnali provinces.
Key Points
- More than 200,000 children under five in Nepal suffer from acute malnutrition or wasting according to a recent national study.
- Wasting prevalence is highest in Madhesh province (13.2%) and stunting is most prevalent in Karnali province (36.2%).
- Malnutrition rates have worsened compared to the 2022 Nepal Demographic and Health Survey data.
- Experts warn that ongoing malnutrition threatens child mortality, cognitive development, and Nepal's progress towards Sustainable Development Goals.
