In Mozambique more than one in three children under five were stunted in 2022, and 4% had wasting. A study from the University of Notre Dame, published in the journal Children, used national survey data collected in 2022–23.
Researchers compared two WASH measures: source of drinking water and type of toilet. They found that improved access to safe drinking water reduced the odds of stunting by about 20%. After accounting for household and child factors, improved sanitation did not show an independent effect on stunting, and neither water nor sanitation had a clear link to wasting.
Difficult words
- stunted — short for their age because of poor nutrition
- wasting — very low weight for age from illness or hunger
- sanitation — systems for clean toilets and waste removal
- survey — a study that asks many people questions
- improved — made better or safer than before
- odds — chance or probability that something will happen
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you think safe drinking water can help children's growth? Why?
- Have you seen improved toilets or water sources in your community? Describe them.
- What household or child factors do you think affect a child's growth?
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