Rethinking Growth Monitoring and Promotion: Is It Time for A New Approach
Abstract
Child undernutrition remains a major global health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where many children experience growth faltering including stunting, wasting, and underweight. This article discusses the history, evolution, and ongoing debate surrounding growth monitoring and promotion (GMP) programs as a strategy to improve child nutrition and health outcomes. Despite long-standing use of growth charts and anthropometric measurements recommended by global health organizations, evidence for the effectiveness of GMP in improving child growth outcomes remains limited and uncertain. The article highlights concerns related to measurement accuracy, program coverage, and health system constraints that reduce the impact of GMP interventions. It also discusses a contemporary critique by Leroy et al., which questions the ability of current GMP criteria to accurately identify children who will benefit from nutritional interventions. The authors emphasize the need for stronger epidemiological evidence and improved strategies to ensure that growth monitoring programs effectively support child health and development in resource-limited settings.
Identifier Metadata
| Identifier | 110.0440/INT.2026.00414 |
| Canonical | mdoi:110.0440/INT.2026.00414 |
| Resolver URL | https://mdoi.org/110.0440/INT.2026.00414 |
| Resource URL | Open resource |
| Document URL | Open document |
| Content Type | Article |
| Authors | Jo-Anna B. Baxter |
| Year | 2024 |
| Depositor | International Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies and Innovative Researchs Organisation |
| Prefix | 110.0440 |
| Registered | June 26, 2026 |
| Updated | June 26, 2026 |
| Status | Active |
| Visibility | Public |
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