Undernutrition and Low Birth WeightChinese children have greatly benefited from the country's rapid and sustained economic growth over the last decade. From 1990 to 2002, there was been a dramatic decline in stunting from 33.4% to 14.3% and in underweight from 19.1% to 7.8%. While, Low Birth Weight (LBW) prevalence has now gone down to 3.6% in 2002, similar level as the developed countries. (Source: MOH national nutrition surveillance system). Access to food, and diets in general, have improved in many provinces, and malnutrition is no longer a problem for most children. Even so, there is a wide gap in the nutrition situation between the rural and migrant poor populations and the affluent urban areas. Further reduction in under-nutrition in rural areas and among ethnic minorities therefore remains an unfinished agenda for Chinese children. While the national estimated LBW rate is low compared with other developing countries, because of China's large population size the magnitude in terms of number of children affected is high, with an estimated 1 million newborns each year. LBW babies have higher risk of dying than newborns of normal weight. These children face greater risk of growth retardation during the postnatal period, with possible long-term adverse effects on physical performance. Protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding...
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