The study examined child growth in Mozambique, where stunting is widespread: 37% of children under five were stunted in 2022 and 4% experienced wasting. The research, published in Children by the University of Notre Dame, analysed health data from more than 3,500 children drawn from the Mozambique Demographic and Health Surveys conducted in 2022–23.
Using rigorous econometric methods, researchers looked at two WASH indicators—source of drinking water and type of toilet—both separately and together. The main finding was that improved access to safe drinking water reduced the odds of stunting by about 20%. After controlling for household and child factors such as wealth, region and religion, improved sanitation showed no independent effect on stunting. Neither improved water nor sanitation had a consistent association with wasting.
The authors say policymakers can use these results to prioritise water services while continuing sanitation improvements for broader health benefits.
Difficult words
- stunting — slow physical growth in young children
- wasting — very low weight for height
- econometric — using statistical methods for economic data
- sanitation — systems for clean toilets and sewage
- indicator — a sign or measure of a conditionindicators
- odds — the chance that something will happen
- prioritise — to give more importance to something
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you think your local government should prioritise water services over other projects? Why or why not?
- How can better access to safe drinking water affect the daily life of families with young children in your community?
- What other actions, besides water and sanitation improvements, could help reduce child stunting where you live?
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