Early-childhood linear growth faltering in low- and middle-income countries

Around the world, about 149 million children under 5 years old are too short for their age, which can lead to health problems and even death. Current estimates rely on surveys that don’t tell us when this growth problem starts or if it gets better. This study looked at data from many countries and found that most kids start having growth problems right after birth and it continues until they are about 15 months old. It’s rare for children to get better during this time, and those who do often get worse again, especially if they were already short when they were born. This suggests that we need to focus on helping mothers even before they have children and provide better care for babies under 6 months old to improve children’s growth.