Child Malnutrition (Underweight)
Percentage of children under 5 who are moderately or severely underweight for their age.
Quick Reference
Unit
% of under-5s
Category
People & Society
Metric Code
child_malnutrition
How It's Calculated
Percentage of children under age 5 whose weight-for-age is more than two standard deviations below the WHO Child Growth Standards median. Based on anthropometric measurements (weight and age) from national household surveys (DHS, MICS). "Moderate underweight" is 2-3 SD below median; "severe underweight" is > 3 SD below.
Why It Matters
Underweight is a composite indicator of acute and chronic malnutrition, reflecting inadequate food intake, disease, and poor caring practices. Malnourished children have weakened immune systems, higher mortality from common infections (diarrhea, pneumonia), impaired cognitive development, and reduced adult productivity. Tackling malnutrition requires integrated nutrition, health, WASH, and social protection interventions.
Understanding the Values
Very Low: < 2.5% (minimal - meets WHO Child Growth Standards) Low: 2.5-5% (acceptable - public health under control) Moderate: 5-10% (medium public health problem) High: 10-20% (serious public health problem) Very High: > 20% (critical - South Asia, sub-Saharan Africa) WHO classification: < 2.5% acceptable, > 10% serious Global average: ~14% underweight under-5s (2022) SDG Target 2.2: End all forms of malnutrition by 2030
Related Metrics
Under-5 Mortality Rate
Probability of dying between birth and age 5, expressed per 1,000 live births.
Infant Mortality Rate
Number of deaths of infants under one year old per 1,000 live births.
Access to Improved Sanitation Facilities
Percentage of population using improved sanitation facilities that safely dispose of human waste.
Access to Safely Managed Drinking Water
Percentage of population using safely managed drinking water services.
Data Quality & Coverage
Coverage: ~150 countries (from surveys) Update frequency: Irregular (DHS/MICS every 3-5 years) Source: UN Data / UNICEF-WHO-World Bank joint estimates Limitations: Weight-for-age does not distinguish between wasting (acute malnutrition) and stunting (chronic malnutrition) - need separate height measurements. Survey data has 3-5 year lags. Seasonality affects measurements (post-harvest vs lean season). Does not capture micronutrient deficiencies (iron, vitamin A, iodine).