The New Who Child Growth Standards

Adequate nutrition during the early years of life is of paramount importance for growth, development and long-term health through adulthood. It is during infancy and early childhood that irreversible faltering in linear growth and cognitive deficits occur (1, 2). Poor nutrition during this critical period contributes to significant morbidity and mortality (3). Similarly, the increasing prevalence of childhood obesity worldwide is associated with an increased risk of unfavorable health outcomes later in life and decreased longevity (4, 5). Apart from contributing positively to child survival, therefore, the quality of infant and young child feeding is fundamental for achieving optimal growth and development. Pediatricians rely largely on the assessment of children's growth status to determine whether or not infant and young child nutrition is adequate. Growth charts are thus essential items in the pediatric toolkit for evaluating the degree to which physiological needs for growth and development are being met. However, the evaluation of child growth trajectories and the interventions designed to improve child health are highly dependent on the growth charts used.