Stunting, an indicator of chronic undernutrition, remains a problem of larger magnitude than underweight. In the developing world, children living in rural areas are almost 1.5 times as likely to be stunted as those in urban areas. Children in the poorest 20 per cent of households are twice as likely to be stunted as children in the richest 20 per cent of households.

Children under 2 years old are most vulnerable to stunting, the effects of which are then largely irreversible. This is the period of life when suboptimal breastfeeding and inappropriate complementary feeding practices put children at high risk of undernutrition and its associated outcomes. In order to address the high burden of stunting, particularly in Africa and Asia, it is therefore vital to focus on effective interventions for infants and young children, especially those living in rural areas.

Many countries that have met – or are close to meeting – the MDG 1 target on underweight prevalence must make a serious effort to reduce the prevalence of stunting. A comprehensive approach will address food quality and quantity, water and sanitation, health services, and care and feeding practices, as well as key underlying factors such as poverty, inequity and discrimination against women
(including low levels of education among girls).