Global nutrition targets 2030: stunting brief

Overview

Stunting, or being too short for one’s age, is defined as a height that is more than two standard deviations below the World Health Organization (WHO) child growth standards median. Childhood stunting is one of the most significant impediments to human development. Stunted children face lifelong challenges, including limited cognitive and physical development, reduced productivity, and poorer overall health.

Based on current trends, it is estimated that child stunting was reduced globally from 26.4% in 2012 to 23.2% in 2024. This is far short of the original 2025 target to achieve a 40 % reduction. During the 78th World Health Assembly, WHO’s Member States passed a resolution to extend the target for five more years to 2030, during which time actors can intensify attention to, investment in, and actions for reducing the prevalence of child stunting. The purpose of this brief is to highlight the interventions and policies needed to achieve the extended target by 2030.