Floods and droughts and pediatric malnutrition in low-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis

This study systematically reviewed and meta-analyzed the prevalence and risk of child malnutrition following extreme weather events in low- and lower-middle-income countries. Pediatric malnutrition remains a major global health challenge, affecting growth, development, and long-term health outcomes. Current estimates indicate that approximately 150.2 million (23.2%) children under 5 years of age are affected by stunting, and 42.8 million (6.6%) are affected by wasting

The study concludes that wasting, stunting, and underweight remain highly prevalent among children living in low- and lower-middle-income countries affected by extreme weather events. The evidence linking such events to child malnutrition, however, remains limited and inconsistent. Major research gaps include the heterogeneity in definitions of extreme weather events, the diversity of reference growth charts used to define malnutrition, and the lack of reliable pre-event nutritional data.