Adolescent nutrition: a review of the situation in selected South-East Asian Countries

Abstract

Approximately 20% population of WHO's South-East Asia (‎SEA)‎ Region consists of adolescents. The foundation of adequate growth and development is laid before birth, during childhood, and is followed during adolescence. In the SEA Region, a large number of adolescents suffer from chronic malnutrition and anaemia, which adversely impact their health and development. The high rate of malnutrition in girls not only contributes to increased morbidity and mortality associated with pregnancy and delivery, but also to increased risk of delivering low-birth-weight babies. This contributes to the inter-generational cycle of malnutrition. The publication reviews the demographic profile of adolescents in the Region, and their nutritional status and programmes that address adolescent nutrition. It suggests strategies for improving the nutrition status of adolescents and proposes actions at country and regional levels.