Stunting
Stunting is a multi-causal issue that occurs when a child shows stunted growth for their age, according to WHO standards. This prevents the child from reaching their full growth potential.
This condition has a negative and lasting impact on development, leading to difficulties in academic and professional performance, and later in adulthood, as it increases the risk of developing non-communicable chronic diseases.
Main causes of stunting
Stunting does not stem from a single cause, but rather from a combination of deficiencies, including:
- Inadequate feeding practices and nutrition
- Unhealthy living environments
- Frequent illnesses during the first two years of life
- Lack of access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene
- Limited access to healthcare services
Stunting and poverty
There is a strong link between stunting and lack of access to economic resources, which perpetuates the cycle of poverty by impacting children’s nutrition and development—and, in turn, the nation’s productivity and economy.
Given this reality, and considering Ecuador’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, addressing stunting in early childhood is essential.
This premise is further supported by studies such as those conducted by Nobel Laureate in Economics James Heckman, which show that for every dollar invested in early childhood, there is a return of up to 17 dollars—making it a strategic investment for the future.
Impact of Stunting on GDP
According to ECLAC, in its report “The Social and Economic Impact of the Double Burden of Stunting” (2017), malnutrition is estimated to account for 4.3% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) due to lost productivity.
Moreover, this condition represents a social and financial burden that is 1.5 to 3 times greater than that of overweight and obesity.
Ecuador: The Fourth Country in Latin America with the Highest Prevalence of Stunting
According to the Global Nutrition Report 2020, stunting affects 149.0 million children under the age of 5 worldwide (21.9%).
In Latin America, the prevalence rates of stunting are alarming and exceed global averages. Ecuador ranks fourth in the region, surpassed only by Honduras, Haiti, and Guatemala.
Infant mortality
Stunting is one of the leading causes of infant mortality, with long-term impacts on the health and well-being of the population. According to the 2023 National Survey on Stunting, affects 20.1% of children under two years old in Ecuador: 23.7% live in poor households, compared to 15.1% in non-poor households.
Socioeconomic inequalities in Ecuador have led to disparities in access to adequate nutrition, with the most vulnerable populations living in rural areas, where there is limited access to quality food and safe drinking water.
36.7% of children under five consume water contaminated with Escherichia coli bacteria. Stunting is also associated with the lack of exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life, a rate that stands at 51.2% nationwide. Additional contributing factors include hygiene practices, food preparation, and more (INEC, 2023).
When disaggregating the national stunting indicator, ENDI data show variation in its geographic distribution. The provinces of Chimborazo, Bolívar, Santa Elena, Tungurahua, and Pastaza report very high prevalence rates.