Use community-led approach to tackle stunting

People-driven solution: With consistent support, local health workers can help families improve child nutrition and reduce stunting. – Photo courtesy of World Vision Malaysia

RECENT reports about stunting being on the rise again in Malaysia have reignited concern – and rightly so. Stunting is not simply about a child being shorter than expected; it is a sign of chronic undernutrition that can permanently affect physical growth, brain development, learning ability, immunity and long-term health.

What makes the issue even more worrying is that Malaysia is not a low-income country. Yet, around one in five Malaysian children today are stunted. In some rural and underserved areas, the situation is far worse.