Prevalence of child wasting by country, 2020-2024

A new analysis from the 2025 Global Hunger Index highlights alarming levels of child wasting across several countries between 2020 and 2024, underscoring the severity of acute malnutrition worldwide.

South Sudan records the highest prevalence at 21 per cent, reflecting persistent food insecurity and humanitarian challenges.

India follows at 18.7 per cent, while Sudan and Yemen report 17.7 per cent and 16.8 per cent respectively, pointing to the impact of conflict and economic instability on child health.

Mauritania registers 13.6 per cent, with the Syrian Arab Republic and Djibouti posting 12.2 per cent and 12.1 per cent.

Nigeria and Mauritius both stand at 11.6 per cent, while Malaysia rounds off the list at 11 per cent.

Child wasting, a condition where children are dangerously thin for their height due to recent weight loss or illness, remains a critical public health concern requiring urgent intervention to prevent long-term health consequences and mortality.