Children can be stunted and wasted at the same time. Having both deficits greatly elevates risk

of mortality. The analysis aimed to estimate the prevalence and burden of children aged 6 to 59 months concurrently wasted and stunted. Data from demographic and health survey and

Multi-indicator Cluster Surveys datasets from 84 countries were analysed. Overall prevalence

for being wasted, stunted, and concurrently wasted and stunted among children 6 to 59 months

was calculated. A pooled prevalence of concurrence was estimated and reported by gender, age,

United Nations regions, and contextual categories. Burden was calculated using population fig-

ures from the global joint estimates database. The pooled prevalence of concurrence in the 84

countries was 3.0%, 95% CI [2.97, 3.06], ranging from 0% to 8.0%. Nine countries reported a concurrence prevalence greater than 5%. The estimated burden was 5,963,940 children. Prevalence of concurrence was highest in the 12 to 24 month age group 4.2%, 95% CI [4.1, 4.3], and was significantly higher among boys 3.54%, 95% CI [3.47, 3.61], compared to girls; 2.46%, 95% CI [2.41, 2.52]. Fragile and conflict-affected states reported significantly higher concurrence 3.6%, 95% CI [3.5, 3.6], than those defined as stable 2.24%, 95% CI [2.18, 2.30].

 

This analysis representsthe first multiple country estimation of the prevalence and burden of children concurrently wasted and stunted. Given the high risk of mortality associated with concurrence, the findingsindicate a need to report on this condition as well as investigate whether these children are being reached through existing programmes.

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