Wasting is a major health problem that affects the linear growth and development of children. This condition reflects a state of acute malnutrition and is recognized when the weight-for-length index or weight-for-height index is below 2 SD of the World Health Organization (WHO) growth standards for children. This indicator can be used to assess short-term effects such as food shortages, inadequate food intake and the presence of disease; in addition to increasing the risk of mortality and morbidity.

The WHO notes that improving the proportion of children with wasting who receive timely treatment and preventing this problem are essential to improving child survival rates.