In Malaysia, the issue of stunted growth among children is becoming increasingly alarming. According to reports from local news outlets, data from the Ministry of Education Malaysia revealed that over 90,000 pupils aged 10 to 12 experienced stunted growth last year. The National Health and Morbidity Survey further highlighted that 21.2% of Malaysian children suffered from stunting in 2022, a significant rise from 16.6% in 2011.
According to the 2023 edition of the UNICEF-WHO-World Bank Group Joint Malnutrition Estimates, stunted growth in children has been on a decline since 2000. However, in 2022, over 1 in 5 children under the age of 5—approximately 148.1 million—were still affected by stunting, while at least 45.0 million experienced wasting at some point during the year. A child is considered stunted when their height-for-age falls more than two standard deviations below the median set by the WHO Child Growth Standards.
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Early childhood linear growth serves as a key indicator of overall health, as it is strongly linked to morbidity and mortality risks, the likelihood of developing non-communicable diseases later in life, and a child’s ability to learn and be productive. Moreover, stunted growth is closely connected to delays in cognitive, language, and sensory-motor development, affecting a child’s long-term well-being.
What are the causes?
1. Malnutrition
Insufficient nourishment is a leading cause of growth delays. Whether due to food insecurity, eating disorders, or medical conditions that affect appetite, a lack of essential nutrients can significantly hinder a child’s development.
2. Psychosocial Stress
Exposure to chronic stress—whether from war, famine, violence, or an unstable home environment—can disrupt a child’s growth. A nurturing and secure environment are essential for proper physical and emotional development.
3. Growth Hormone Deficiency
Some children naturally produce lower levels of growth hormone, which is essential for normal height development. In some cases, this deficiency is linked to an underdeveloped pituitary gland.
4. Maternal factors
Pregnant mothers with depression may also contribute to the child’s development – where a baby being born prematurely, with low birth weight, and having a shorter body length may increase the risk of stunting in childhood.
5. Genetic factors
Familial short stature is another contributing factor. If a child’s parents and grandparents are shorter in height, the child may also be predisposed to being shorter than average. Additionally, natural variations in growth mean that some children may not reach the expected height based on genetic predictions.
6. Environmental factors
Diarrhoeal disease is primarily caused by inadequate sanitation and is a major contributor to stunted growth. According to the Ministry of Health Malaysia, diarrhoeal disease is one of the top disease that affects children under 5 in Malaysia. Poor sanitation is linked to approximately 7 million cases of stunting, while diarrhea itself accounts for around 6 million cases.
7. Chronic diseases and recurring infections
Certain health conditions can disrupt a child’s natural growth process, even when they receive proper nutrition. Conditions such as underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), gastrointestinal diseases and celiac diseases can interfere with nutrient absorption, metabolism, and overall development.
Are you concerned about your children facing stunted growth?
You may book an appointment with any of the hospitals or clinics in Malaysia for a check-up with a pediatrician to examine your children to address any underlying conditions. Need help to find your healthcare provider? View the list of MHTC’s member hospitals in Malaysia here!
Here at Malaysia Healthcare, we prioritise a patient’s entire being, not just their physical symptoms or diagnosis, but taking into account their mental, emotional, social, and even spiritual well-being. This ensures their needs are met holistically with personalised care that supports every aspect of their healing and recovery journey.
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