Stunting crisis threatens South Asia's future, warns World Bank Report

South Asia alone is home to about one-third of the world's 148 million children affected by stunting.

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This presents a significant barrier to human capital development: a child who does not receive adequate nutrition during their early years may lose 10 percent of their lifetime income, perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality.

This sobering reality opens the World Bank's latest report, "Nourishing South Asia's Future, One Child at a Time," highlighting the devastating impact of chronic malnutrition on the region's youngest citizens and the urgent need for bold, coordinated action.

Stunting, a condition where children have low height for their age due to prolonged malnutrition especially during the critical first 1,000 days of liferemains alarmingly high across South Asia. Beyond physical growth, stunting has lifelong implications, including reduced educational achievement, lower economic productivity, and diminished earning potential.

According to the report, a child born today in South Asia is expected to reach only 48 percent of their full productive potential, contributing to an estimated 9 percent annual loss in regional GDP.