Preventing Stunting during the Life Cycle through Integrated Nutrition Approaches

Dear Colleagues,

The prevention and treatment of childhood stunting remain substantial challenges. Stunted children have impaired growth, increased mortality, impaired cognitive development, largely remain stunted as adolescents, and have reduced earning capacity as adults. Approximately 165 million people under five years of age are stunted, and most of these are in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Although there has been an impressive global reduction in the prevalence of stunting, there is a recognized need for more information on causes, interventions, and outcomes. Part of the challenge is the multiple biological, social, and environmental causes that interact at different intersections, suggesting that multisectoral approaches are needed. Considerable experience has been accumulated, but more is needed, as are increased resource allocation and resources.

The proposed Issue will examine causes and prevalence, current controversies (e.g., the impact of WASH), the theoretical basis of interventions, and examples of actual programmes. There will be an introduction examining the prevalence and distribution and trends to set the stage. A review of current approaches will be given, as well as a discussion of some of the factors involved, including dietary approaches and the need for an inter-sectoral approach (e.g., both nutrition-specific and -sensitive, the situation for adolescents, and some examples from some of the most affected populations), and a conclusion with possible next steps.

Dr. Arnaud Laillou
Prof. (Adj.) Ian Darnton-Hill AO
Guest Editors

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