Malnutrition, a longstanding challenge for global health, has once again become a pressing concern, particularly for children under the age of five. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set ambitious targets for eliminating malnutrition, especially stunting, by 2030. For years, there was hope that this goal would be achievable, as the prevalence of stunting was steadily declining. Unfortunately, recent reports show a troubling reversal of this trend, and the fight against malnutrition is now facing setbacks that require urgent action.
In July 2025, the Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates (JME), an authoritative report compiled by UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the World Bank, confirmed what many health experts had feared. Since 2020, the percentage of children under five affected by stunting has increased, undermining decades of progress. Stunting is one of the most visible signs of malnutrition, defined as deficiencies, imbalances, or excesses in nutrient intake that disrupt a child’s growth and development.
The rise in stunting prevalence is not only alarming because it affects the youngest and most vulnerable members of society, but it also represents a significant setback in the fight against global hunger. While malnutrition is a multifaceted problem, the increase in stunting particularly underscores an urgent need for coordinated global action. With factors like rising food prices, climate change, and geopolitical conflicts exacerbating food insecurity, it is essential for scientists, policymakers, and healthcare leaders to understand the underlying causes of this disturbing trend and take swift action to reverse it.
The Alarming Rise in Stunting and Wasting
Stunting, which occurs when a child is too short for their age, is a direct consequence of chronic malnutrition during the first 1000 days of life, including the prenatal period. This condition has long-term consequences, including cognitive delays, reduced educational outcomes, and a higher susceptibility to disease. Additionally, stunted children are at risk of lifelong health issues, which may limit their ability to contribute to their communities and economies as they grow older.
Wasting, another form of malnutrition, refers to children who are too thin for their height and indicates an acute lack of nutrition. Wasting, unlike stunting, is often a result of immediate food shortages or disease outbreaks, such as the COVID-19 pandemic or humanitarian crises triggered by conflict. While stunting tends to be a slow-onset issue, wasting can develop quickly and is often a direct indicator of food insecurity.
Both conditions are now increasing in prevalence, as evidenced by the data from UNICEF, WHO, and the World Bank. While stunting has been the focus of most public health interventions over the years, the rise of wasting is also concerning and represents an urgent need for a broader, more comprehensive approach to tackling malnutrition.
In addition to stunting and wasting, there has been a rise in childhood obesity in some parts of the world, primarily in middle and high-income countries. While this might seem like a positive sign in terms of nutrition, it reflects an imbalance in dietary habits and is associated with the growing prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes and heart disease. Overweight children, particularly those in affluent societies, face a higher risk of developing diet-related health problems later in life, which is another manifestation of the malnutrition crisis.
The Global Impact of Malnutrition
The effects of malnutrition are far-reaching, influencing not just the immediate health of children but the long-term development of nations. According to the World Bank, malnutrition costs the global economy trillions of dollars each year, primarily through lost productivity, increased healthcare costs, and reduced economic output. The consequences of poor nutrition extend far beyond childhood; malnourished children are more likely to experience poor cognitive development, lower academic performance, and reduced earning potential as adults.
On a societal level, the economic toll of malnutrition can prevent countries from realizing their full potential. Malnutrition perpetuates the cycle of poverty, as those who suffer from it are less likely to contribute meaningfully to the economy. In low- and middle-income countries, where the burden of malnutrition is most acute, this perpetuates inequality and inhibits sustainable development.
Furthermore, malnutrition has a disproportionate impact on women and girls, who bear the brunt of food insecurity in many parts of the world. Women and girls who are malnourished during pregnancy and infancy are more likely to give birth to low-weight children, further exacerbating the cycle of malnutrition. This gendered aspect of the crisis requires targeted interventions to ensure that women and girls have access to the nutrients they need for healthy pregnancies and lactation, as well as opportunities for education and economic empowerment.
Why Is Malnutrition Increasing Again?
The increase in malnutrition is primarily driven by a number of interconnected factors. Chief among them is the rising cost of food, which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent global supply chain disruptions. As food prices soared in the wake of the pandemic, millions of families, particularly in low-income countries, found themselves unable to afford nutritious food. The situation worsened in 2022 with the onset of the war in Ukraine, which led to food shortages and price hikes, particularly for staple crops like wheat, maize, and sunflower oil.
These food price increases disproportionately affect the poorest households, which spend a higher percentage of their income on food. For many families, this means choosing cheaper, calorie-dense foods that provide little nutritional value over healthier, more expensive options. As a result, children in these households are more likely to suffer from stunting, wasting, and other forms of malnutrition.
In addition to food insecurity, climate change is playing an increasingly significant role in the rise of malnutrition. Extreme weather events, such as droughts, floods, and hurricanes, are disrupting food production in many parts of the world, leading to crop failures and food shortages. Climate change also threatens the nutritional quality of food, as rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns affect the nutrient content of crops.
Geopolitical conflicts and economic instability are further compounding the crisis, displacing millions of people and creating humanitarian emergencies. Refugees and displaced populations are often the most vulnerable to malnutrition, as they face limited access to food, clean water, and healthcare.
Addressing the Malnutrition Crisis
Despite the alarming rise in malnutrition, there is still hope. The first step is for governments, international organizations, and scientists to better understand the causes of this increase. The health leaders at the World Health Summit missed an important opportunity to discuss this issue, but it is not too late to act. Policymakers must prioritize the fight against malnutrition and take immediate action to ensure that all children, particularly the most vulnerable, have access to nutritious food.
Addressing malnutrition will require a multifaceted approach. In the short term, governments must work to ensure food security by addressing the root causes of food price increases and supply chain disruptions. This means investing in agricultural resilience, improving food distribution networks, and reducing barriers to food access for vulnerable populations.
In the long term, tackling malnutrition will require systemic changes to food systems. Governments and international organizations must invest in sustainable agricultural practices that ensure a stable and nutritious food supply, particularly in regions most vulnerable to climate change. Additionally, addressing the underlying social determinants of malnutrition — including poverty, gender inequality, and lack of access to healthcare — is essential for creating lasting change.
Conclusion
Malnutrition is a global crisis that affects millions of children every year. While progress had been made in reducing malnutrition in the past, recent trends show a worrying reversal, with more children suffering from stunting and wasting. To address this issue, policymakers must work urgently to understand the factors driving this rise and take comprehensive action. The stakes are high: the future of millions of children and the global economy depend on it. Immediate and sustained action is needed to ensure that no child goes hungry or suffers from the long-term effects of malnutrition.
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