The progress of stunting malnutrition in children under five years old from 1990 to 2004

ABSTRACT

The progress of stunting reduction was examined through national surveys on malnutrition in children under 5 years old from 1990 to 2004. The prevalence of stunting in Vietnam has been experienced a rapid rate of progress. The prevalence of stunting in children was 53.4% in 1990. By 2004 it had dropped to 30.7%. rate of progress in reducing stunting was -1.5 percentage points per year in the period of time from 1990 to 2004. There was a change in stunting pattern. The results of surveys done before 2000 showed that the prevalence of stunting continued to increase in children above two years old. The results in a recent surveys showed that the prevalence of stunting increased rapidly in the first two years of life, and still remained the same or even did not increase any more after the first two years of life. This implies that the strategy of health and nutrition care for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and children under two years old should be given a priority.