24.6% of Vietnamese children under five are stuntedThe ratio of acute malnutrition (wasting) among children under five has decreased slightly to 14.1 percent in 2015 from 14.5 percent in 2014, while the rate of chronic malnutrition (stunting) dropped 0.3 percent to 24.6 percent in 2015. According to a report recently announced by the National Institution of Nutrition, the ratios differ across regions, with the Central Highlands taking the lead with 21.6 percent of children wasted and 34.2 percent stunted. It also serves as a reference for policy-makers to consider the application of interfering measures to reduce child malnutrition and improve the stature of Vietnamese people. The annual report, which is made in accordance with the World Health Organisation’s anthropometric measurements, is an important indication showing the level and quality of family and society’s caring for children. It was followed by the northern mountainous region with 19.5 percent and 30.3 percent respectively.

Source: VietNamNet News July 26, 2016 14:26 UTC