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EMHJ-Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal. 2010; 16 (2): 194-201
in English
| IMEMR
| ID: emr-158397
ABSTRACT
Growth reference charts are among the most sensitive and valuable tools for assessing the health and development of children. A questionnaire survey was answered by 16 of the 21 ministries of health in the Eastern Mediterranean Region countries [EMR] about their use of growth charts for children under 5 years. Most of the countries [13/16] used the NCHS/WHO charts and weight-for-age was the most commonly used. Charts for height-for-age and head circumference-for-age were less commonly used. Problems in the use of charts were identified. The introduction of the new WHO Child Growth Standards, based on exclusively breastfed babies, is a unique opportunity to support growth monitoring and optimal feeding practices in EMR