The prevention of wasting should be a public health priority as the global burden of acute malnutrition is still high.

Inadequate safe water supply and poor sanitation and hygiene continue to be important risk factors for diarrhoea and stunting globally.

Child undernutrition disproportionally affects children in low- and middle-income countries. In Ethiopia, both wasting and stunting are serious public health concerns, with high human and economic costs.

Age-appropriate breastfeeding and introduction to complementary foods can shape child feeding practices, ensure adequate energy and nutrient intake and prevent linear growth faltering.