As of November 2021, **** percent of children under five years suffered from chronic malnutrition in Mozambique. The lack of adequate nutrients over a long period leads the infants to growth failure. At the same period, *** percent of the children were affected by acute malnutrition, which concerns a rapid deterioration in the nutritional status over a short period of time.

Mozambique MZ: Prevalence of Wasting: Weight for Height: Female: % of Children Under 5 data was reported at 5.500 % in 2011. This records an increase from the previous number of 3.500 % for 2008. Mozambique MZ: Prevalence of Wasting: Weight for Height: Female: % of Children Under 5 data is updated yearly, averaging 5.300 % from Dec 1997 (Median) to 2011, with 4 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 12.200 % in 1997 and a record low of 3.500 % in 2008. Mozambique MZ: Prevalence of Wasting: Weight for Height: Female: % of Children Under 5 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Mozambique – Table MZ.World Bank.WDI: Health Statistics. Prevalence of wasting, female, is the proportion of girls under age 5 whose weight for height is more than two standard deviations below the median for the international reference population ages 0-59.; ; World Health Organization, Global Database on Child Growth and Malnutrition. Country-level data are unadjusted data from national surveys, and thus may not be comparable across countries.; Linear mixed-effect model estimates; Undernourished children have lower resistance to infection and are more likely to die from common childhood ailments such as diarrheal diseases and respiratory infections. Frequent illness saps the nutritional status of those who survive, locking them into a vicious cycle of recurring sickness and faltering growth (UNICEF, www.childinfo.org). Estimates of child malnutrition, based on prevalence of underweight and stunting, are from national survey data. The proportion of underweight children is the most common malnutrition indicator. Being even mildly underweight increases the risk of death and inhibits cognitive development in children. And it perpetuates the problem across generations, as malnourished women are more likely to have low-birth-weight babies. Stunting, or being below median height for age, is often used as a proxy for multifaceted deprivation and as an indicator of long-term changes in malnutrition.

Mozambique MZ: Prevalence of Underweight: Weight for Age: % of Children Under 5 data was reported at 15.600 % in 2011. This records a decrease from the previous number of 18.300 % for 2008. Mozambique MZ: Prevalence of Underweight: Weight for Age: % of Children Under 5 data is updated yearly, averaging 22.100 % from Dec 1995 (Median) to 2011, with 6 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 26.300 % in 1997 and a record low of 15.600 % in 2011. Mozambique MZ: Prevalence of Underweight: Weight for Age: % of Children Under 5 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Mozambique – Table MZ.World Bank: Health Statistics. Prevalence of underweight children is the percentage of children under age 5 whose weight for age is more than two standard deviations below the median for the international reference population ages 0-59 months. The data are based on the WHO's child growth standards released in 2006.; ; UNICEF, WHO, World Bank: Joint child malnutrition estimates (JME). Aggregation is based on UNICEF, WHO, and the World Bank harmonized dataset (adjusted, comparable data) and methodology.; Linear mixed-effect model estimates; Undernourished children have lower resistance to infection and are more likely to die from common childhood ailments such as diarrheal diseases and respiratory infections. Frequent illness saps the nutritional status of those who survive, locking them into a vicious cycle of recurring sickness and faltering growth (UNICEF, www.childinfo.org). Estimates of child malnutrition, based on prevalence of underweight and stunting, are from national survey data. The proportion of underweight children is the most common malnutrition indicator. Being even mildly underweight increases the risk of death and inhibits cognitive development in children. And it perpetuates the problem across generations, as malnourished women are more likely to have low-birth-weight babies. Stunting, or being below median height for age, is often used as a proxy for multifaceted deprivation and as an indicator of long-term changes in malnutrition.

BackgroundStunting is a major public health problem, especially in developing countries. In 2020, 37.5% of children under 5 years in Mozambique were stunted.ObjectivesThis study aims to describe the nutritional practices in a cohort of Mozambican children and to compare them with international recommendations. The secondary objective is to find differences between chronic malnourished (M) versus non-malnourished (NM) children and to detect factors related to malnutrition.MethodsA retrospective study was conducted, including children admitted to Beira Central Hospital in Mozambique, using a questionnaire focusing on early nutritional and complementary feeding (CF) practices. We compared the clinical and feeding characteristics of M and NM children and conducted logistic regression to identify factors associated with chronic malnutrition. Data management was performed using Microsoft Excel Office 365 and statistical analysis with Jamovi (version 2.3).ResultsA total of 103 children were studied (median age: 19 months). Seventy percent were exclusively breastfed, 56% continued breastfeeding during CF, but only 8% breastfed until 2 years of age. The introduction of CF occurred at a median age of 6 months, with the main reason being the baby’s crying. Sugar, salt, and sugary drinks were introduced before 1 year of age. At the time of the survey, 42% of the children’s diets were adequately varied. Statistical analysis showed that M children had statistically significant differences in birth weight percentile, were less likely to be breastfed, and consumed fewer dairy products than NM children. Multivariate logistic regression showed that risk factors for chronic malnutrition included HIV infection in both mother and child (OR: 7.5, 95% CI: 1.6–35.09), unaware initiation of CF (OR: 4.35, 95% CI: 1.45–13.05), and birth weight below the 10th percentile (OR: 3.26, 95% CI: 1.02–10.47). In contrast, early and frequent dairy consumption, as well as ongoing maternal breastfeeding during CF, were identified as protective factors.ConclusionIn our population, the percentage of children with a minimally acceptable diet was low. The use of human milk could be increased, and mistakes in CF practices could be corrected. Our findings highlight the need to raise awareness about the importance of breastfeeding and the timely introduction of appropriately composed CF. Increased attention should be given to children suffering from HIV, with lower birth weights, less breastfeeding, and lower dairy product consumption, in order to prevent malnutrition.

Mozambique MZ: Prevalence of Severe Wasting: Weight for Height: Male: % of Children under 5 data was reported at 2.800 % in 2011. This records an increase from the previous number of 1.300 % for 2008. Mozambique MZ: Prevalence of Severe Wasting: Weight for Height: Male: % of Children under 5 data is updated yearly, averaging 2.500 % from Dec 1997 (Median) to 2011, with 4 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 5.500 % in 1997 and a record low of 1.300 % in 2008. Mozambique MZ: Prevalence of Severe Wasting: Weight for Height: Male: % of Children under 5 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Mozambique – Table MZ.World Bank: Health Statistics. Prevalence of severe wasting, male, is the proportion of boys under age 5 whose weight for height is more than three standard deviations below the median for the international reference population ages 0-59.; ; World Health Organization, Global Database on Child Growth and Malnutrition. Country-level data are unadjusted data from national surveys, and thus may not be comparable across countries.; Linear mixed-effect model estimates; Undernourished children have lower resistance to infection and are more likely to die from common childhood ailments such as diarrheal diseases and respiratory infections. Frequent illness saps the nutritional status of those who survive, locking them into a vicious cycle of recurring sickness and faltering growth (UNICEF, www.childinfo.org). Estimates of child malnutrition, based on prevalence of underweight and stunting, are from national survey data. The proportion of underweight children is the most common malnutrition indicator. Being even mildly underweight increases the risk of death and inhibits cognitive development in children. And it perpetuates the problem across generations, as malnourished women are more likely to have low-birth-weight babies. Stunting, or being below median height for age, is often used as a proxy for multifaceted deprivation and as an indicator of long-term changes in malnutrition.

The Mozambique Population-Based Survey (PBS) provides a comprehensive assessment of the current status of agriculture and food security in two provinces, Zambizia and Nampula. These areas were selected based on national estimates that indicate that the incidence of poverty, malnutrition, and stunting among children less than five years of age is disproportionately high. These provinces are adjacent to three of the country's main trade corridors: Nacala (linking Mozambique to Malawi and Zambia), Beira (linking Mozambique to Zimbabwe), and the N1 (key North-South road connecting Nacala and Beira corridors). This spreadsheet describes the children in the households surveyed.

Mozambique MZ: Prevalence of Stunting: Height for Age: Female: % of Children Under 5 data was reported at 41.000 % in 2011. This records an increase from the previous number of 40.700 % for 2008. Mozambique MZ: Prevalence of Stunting: Height for Age: Female: % of Children Under 5 data is updated yearly, averaging 41.100 % from Dec 1997 (Median) to 2011, with 4 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 44.600 % in 2003 and a record low of 40.700 % in 2008. Mozambique MZ: Prevalence of Stunting: Height for Age: Female: % of Children Under 5 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Mozambique – Table MZ.World Bank.WDI: Health Statistics. Prevalence of stunting, female, is the percentage of girls under age 5 whose height for age is more than two standard deviations below the median for the international reference population ages 0-59 months. For children up to two years old height is measured by recumbent length. For older children height is measured by stature while standing. The data are based on the WHO's new child growth standards released in 2006.; ; World Health Organization, Global Database on Child Growth and Malnutrition. Country-level data are unadjusted data from national surveys, and thus may not be comparable across countries.; Linear mixed-effect model estimates; Undernourished children have lower resistance to infection and are more likely to die from common childhood ailments such as diarrheal diseases and respiratory infections. Frequent illness saps the nutritional status of those who survive, locking them into a vicious cycle of recurring sickness and faltering growth (UNICEF, www.childinfo.org). Estimates of child malnutrition, based on prevalence of underweight and stunting, are from national survey data. The proportion of underweight children is the most common malnutrition indicator. Being even mildly underweight increases the risk of death and inhibits cognitive development in children. And it perpetuates the problem across generations, as malnourished women are more likely to have low-birth-weight babies. Stunting, or being below median height for age, is often used as a proxy for multifaceted deprivation and as an indicator of long-term changes in malnutrition.

Mozambique MZ: Prevalence of Stunting: Height for Age: Male: % of Children Under 5 data was reported at 45.300 % in 2011. This records a decrease from the previous number of 46.800 % for 2008. Mozambique MZ: Prevalence of Stunting: Height for Age: Male: % of Children Under 5 data is updated yearly, averaging 48.050 % from Dec 1997 (Median) to 2011, with 4 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 49.500 % in 2003 and a record low of 45.300 % in 2011. Mozambique MZ: Prevalence of Stunting: Height for Age: Male: % of Children Under 5 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Mozambique – Table MZ.World Bank.WDI: Health Statistics. Prevalence of stunting, male, is the percentage of boys under age 5 whose height for age is more than two standard deviations below the median for the international reference population ages 0-59 months. For children up to two years old height is measured by recumbent length. For older children height is measured by stature while standing. The data are based on the WHO's new child growth standards released in 2006.; ; World Health Organization, Global Database on Child Growth and Malnutrition. Country-level data are unadjusted data from national surveys, and thus may not be comparable across countries.; Linear mixed-effect model estimates; Undernourished children have lower resistance to infection and are more likely to die from common childhood ailments such as diarrheal diseases and respiratory infections. Frequent illness saps the nutritional status of those who survive, locking them into a vicious cycle of recurring sickness and faltering growth (UNICEF, www.childinfo.org). Estimates of child malnutrition, based on prevalence of underweight and stunting, are from national survey data. The proportion of underweight children is the most common malnutrition indicator. Being even mildly underweight increases the risk of death and inhibits cognitive development in children. And it perpetuates the problem across generations, as malnourished women are more likely to have low-birth-weight babies. Stunting, or being below median height for age, is often used as a proxy for multifaceted deprivation and as an indicator of long-term changes in malnutrition.

The Maratane refugee camp was the only official settlement for asylum seekers and refugee in Mozambique since 2003, hosting 6,559 refugees (2,133 households). The majority of refugees were from the Great Lakes Region, namely Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda and Burundi. The previous nutrition survey conducted in October 2010 found a stable level of acute malnutrition, but a high level of both chronic malnutrition amongst children, and anaemia amongst both children and adult women. UNHCR, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and WFP, conducted a nutrition survey in Maratane refugee camp between 22 and 30 September 2012.

This data is the anonymous version of the data collected for the 2012 survey. See details on the specific objectives of the survey and survey methods in the report.

Abstract

As part of the Education Sector Support Project in Mozambique (P125127), an initial credit of 40 million dollars has been provided by the World Bank to the Republic of Mozambique for the purpose of scaling-up Early Childhood Development activities in the country starting from 2012. Education Sector Support Project includes creation of 150 new community-based Early Childhood Development (ECD) centers across five provinces in Mozambique in the first phase and 200 additional centers in the second phase. This impact evaluation concerns the second phase of implementation and aims primarily at assessing the impact of ECD provision in rural area under governmental management using uses clustered random control trial at a community level. Data collection was carried out by the National Statistical Agency of Mozambique, Ministry of Education and the World Bank. 6,171 households were sampled across six participating districts (236 communities) from September to December 2016.

Provision of Community-Based ECD services was done through third party providers and included construction of preschool premises and playgrounds, training of local instructors, acquisition of the pedagogical material, and organization of parental activities.

Another World Bank-supported intervention in nutrition occurred simultaneously in one of the three provinces covered by the impact evaluation. Some areas in Nampula province received both types of interventions, maximizing likelihood that beneficiary children will be both well-nourished and receive adequate cognitive and overall stimulation in the early years of life.

ECD activities target children between 36 and 59 months old, while nutrition activities targeted pregnant women and children aged between 0 and 35 months. The baseline survey was carried out in 236 communities across the provinces of Cabo Delgado, Nampula and Tete.

Communities were allocated randomly to one of the four following groups: - Communities with ECD and nutrition intervention - Communities with only ECD intervention - Communities with only nutrition intervention - Control communities with no interventions.

Geographic coverage

Two districts were selected in each participating province.

• Province of Cabo Delgado: Chiure and Macomia districts.

• Province of Nampula: Erati and Memba ditricts.

• Province of Tete: Changara and Angonia districts.

Analysis unit

households children between 36 and 59 months old children aged between 0 and 35 months old schools

Kind of data

Sample survey data [ssd]

Sampling procedure

Clustered randomized control trial (C-RCT) at community level used in this impact evaluation.

Communities were selected in each district according to eligibility criteria and then randomly assigned to the one of the four treatment arms in the Province of Nampula and to the ECD treatment or control group in the provinces of Cabo Delgado and Tete. As part of the phase 2, the project planned to provide 20 ECD centers per district, except in Cabo Delgado where Macomia will receive 10 ECD centers while Chiùre will receive 30 centers. Remaining eligible communities were kept in case of substitution was needed.

A total of 6,171 households with preschool age children were sampled from the 236 evaluation communities at baseline. With no household listing available at the time of the survey, a census of each community was carried out to identify households with children in the age range of 36 to 59 months (and children aged 0 to35 months in Nampula). Taking the list of households with at least one child in this age range, 24 households per community were planned to be selected randomly in Cabo Delgado and Tete. In Nampula, in addition of those 24 selected household, 13 households with at least a child aged between 0 and 35 months and no child between 36 and 59 months.

Sampling deviation

In Cabo Delgado, the pool of eligible communities was too small and substitution of communities that were not accessible could not be done, leaving this province with only 76 participating communities instead of 80.

In Tete, a non-eligible community has been mixed up with a community belonging to the sample and was then discarded from the database.

Problem in the implementation of the nutrition program made non-random the assignment of communities benefiting from this program in the province of Nampula. Thus, while the RCT design for ECD intervention is still valid, impact of nutrition program might be evaluated through non or quasi-experimental methods in subsequent stages.

Mode of data collection

Computer Assisted Personal Interview [capi]

Research instrument

The following survey instruments were used:

• Socioeconomic Questionnaire
• Anthropometric measures of participating children
• Child assessments
• Community Leader Questionnaire

BackgroundThe coexistence of undernutrition (thinness) and overnutrition (overweight/obesity) among children and adolescents is a public health concern in low-middle-income countries. Accurate prevalence estimates of thinness and overweight/obesity among children and adolescents are unavailable in many low-middle-income countries due to lack of data. Here we describe the prevalences and examine correlates of objectively measured weight status among urban and rural schoolchildren in Mozambique.MethodsA cross-sectional study design was applied to recruit 9-11-year-old schoolchildren (n = 683) from 17 urban and rural primary schools in Mozambique. Body mass index (BMI) was computed from objectively measured height and weight and participants’ weight categories were determined using the World Health Organization cut-points. Actigraph GT3X + accelerometers were worn 24 hours per day for 7 days to assess movement behaviours. Multilevel multivariable modelling was conducted to estimate odds ratios and confidence intervals.ResultsCombined prevalence of overweight/obesity (11.4%) was significantly higher among urban participants compared to rural participants (5.7%; χ2 = 7.1; p = 0.008). Conversely, thinness was more prevalent among rural (6.3%) compared to urban (4.2%) participants. Passive school commute, not meeting daily moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) guidelines, and maternal BMI >25 kg/m2 were associated with overweight/obesity while possessing one or more functional cars at home, maternal BMI >25 kg/m2 and being an older participant were associated with thinness in the present sample. The proportion of total variance in the prevalences of obesity and/or thinness occurring at the school level was 8.7% and 8.3%, respectively.ConclusionPrevalences of thinness, overweight/obesity and other key variables differ between urban and rural schoolchildren in Mozambique. MVPA, active transport and mother’s BMI are important modifiable correlates of weight status among Mozambican schoolchildren. Results from this study demonstrate important differences between urban and rural schoolchildren that should not be ignored when designing interventions to manage malnutrition, formulating public health strategies, and interpreting findings.

Mozambique MZ: Prevalence of Stunting: Height for Age: % of Children Under 5, Modeled Estimate data was reported at 37.000 % in 2024. This records an increase from the previous number of 36.900 % for 2023. Mozambique MZ: Prevalence of Stunting: Height for Age: % of Children Under 5, Modeled Estimate data is updated yearly, averaging 42.600 % from Dec 2000 (Median) to 2024, with 25 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 48.600 % in 2000 and a record low of 36.900 % in 2023. Mozambique MZ: Prevalence of Stunting: Height for Age: % of Children Under 5, Modeled Estimate data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Mozambique – Table MZ.World Bank.WDI: Social: Health Statistics. Prevalence of stunting is the percentage of children under age 5 whose height for age is more than two standard deviations below the median for the international reference population ages 0-59 months. For children up to two years old height is measured by recumbent length. For older children height is measured by stature while standing. The data are based on the WHO's 2006 Child Growth Standards.;UNICEF, WHO, World Bank: Joint child Malnutrition Estimates (JME).;Weighted average;Undernourished children have lower resistance to infection and are more likely to die from common childhood ailments such as diarrheal diseases and respiratory infections. Frequent illness saps the nutritional status of those who survive, locking them into a vicious cycle of recurring sickness and faltering growth (UNICEF). Being even mildly underweight increases the risk of death and inhibits cognitive development in children. And it perpetuates the problem across generations, as malnourished women are more likely to have low-birth-weight babies. Stunting, or being below median height for age, is often used as a proxy for multifaceted deprivation and as an indicator of long-term changes in malnutrition. Estimates are modeled estimates produced by the JME. Primary data sources of the anthropometric measurements are national surveys. These surveys are administered sporadically, resulting in sparse data for many countries. Furthermore, the trend of the indicators over time is usually not a straight line and varies by country. Tracking the current level and progress of indicators helps determine if countries are on track to meet certain thresholds, such as those indicated in the SDGs. Thus the JME developed statistical models and produced the modeled estimates.

Mozambique MZ: Prevalence of Overweight: Weight for Height: Female: % of Children Under 5 data was reported at 7.700 % in 2011. This records an increase from the previous number of 3.200 % for 2008. Mozambique MZ: Prevalence of Overweight: Weight for Height: Female: % of Children Under 5 data is updated yearly, averaging 5.850 % from Dec 1997 (Median) to 2011, with 4 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 7.700 % in 2011 and a record low of 3.200 % in 2008. Mozambique MZ: Prevalence of Overweight: Weight for Height: Female: % of Children Under 5 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Mozambique – Table MZ.World Bank.WDI: Health Statistics. Prevalence of overweight, female, is the percentage of girls under age 5 whose weight for height is more than two standard deviations above the median for the international reference population of the corresponding age as established by the WHO's new child growth standards released in 2006.; ; World Health Organization, Global Database on Child Growth and Malnutrition. Country-level data are unadjusted data from national surveys, and thus may not be comparable across countries.; Linear mixed-effect model estimates; Estimates of overweight children are also from national survey data. Once considered only a high-income economy problem, overweight children have become a growing concern in developing countries. Research shows an association between childhood obesity and a high prevalence of diabetes, respiratory disease, high blood pressure, and psychosocial and orthopedic disorders (de Onis and Blössner 2003). Childhood obesity is associated with a higher chance of obesity, premature death, and disability in adulthood. In addition to increased future risks, obese children experience breathing difficulties and increased risk of fractures, hypertension, early markers of cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, and psychological effects. Children in low- and middle-income countries are more vulnerable to inadequate nutrition before birth and in infancy and early childhood. Many of these children are exposed to high-fat, high-sugar, high-salt, calorie-dense, micronutrient-poor foods, which tend be lower in cost than more nutritious foods. These dietary patterns, in conjunction with low levels of physical activity, result in sharp increases in childhood obesity, while under-nutrition continues

MZ: Prevalence of Overweight: Weight for Height: % of Children Under 5, Modeled Estimate data was reported at 4.400 % in 2024. This records an increase from the previous number of 4.300 % for 2023. MZ: Prevalence of Overweight: Weight for Height: % of Children Under 5, Modeled Estimate data is updated yearly, averaging 5.700 % from Dec 2000 (Median) to 2024, with 25 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 7.200 % in 2005 and a record low of 4.200 % in 2022. MZ: Prevalence of Overweight: Weight for Height: % of Children Under 5, Modeled Estimate data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Mozambique – Table MZ.World Bank.WDI: Social: Health Statistics. Prevalence of overweight children is the percentage of children under age 5 whose weight for height is more than two standard deviations above the median for the international reference population of the corresponding age as established by the WHO's 2006 Child Growth Standards.;UNICEF, WHO, World Bank: Joint child Malnutrition Estimates (JME).;Weighted average;Once considered only a high-income economy problem, overweight children have become a growing concern in developing countries. Research shows an association between childhood obesity and a high prevalence of diabetes, respiratory disease, high blood pressure, and psychosocial and orthopedic disorders (de Onis and Blössner 2003). Childhood obesity is associated with a higher chance of obesity, premature death, and disability in adulthood. In addition to increased future risks, obese children experience breathing difficulties and increased risk of fractures, hypertension, early markers of cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, and psychological effects. Children in low- and middle-income countries are more vulnerable to inadequate nutrition before birth and in infancy and early childhood. Many of these children are exposed to high-fat, high-sugar, high-salt, calorie-dense, micronutrient-poor foods, which tend be lower in cost than more nutritious foods. These dietary patterns, in conjunction with low levels of physical activity, result in sharp increases in childhood obesity, while under-nutrition continues. Estimates are modeled estimates produced by the JME. Primary data sources of the anthropometric measurements are national surveys. These surveys are administered sporadically, resulting in sparse data for many countries. Furthermore, the trend of the indicators over time is usually not a straight line and varies by country. Tracking the current level and progress of indicators helps determine if countries are on track to meet certain thresholds, such as those indicated in the SDGs. Thus the JME developed statistical models and produced the modeled estimates.