STUNTING PREVALENCE AMONG CHILDREN FROM ROMANIA AND NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES IN THE CONTEXT OF FOOD SECURITY
Abstract
This study analyzes the prevalence of stunting among children in Romania and neighboring countries in the context of food security challenges. Stunting is a key indicator of nutritional status and socio-economic development, reflecting long-term effects of limited access to nutritious food and inadequate living conditions. The research compares recent data from Romania, Bulgaria, the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine, Serbia, and Hungary, highlighting regional disparities and key drivers such as poverty, food insecurity, and parental education. It also reviews the effectiveness of national policies and nutritional programs addressing child undernutrition. The findings emphasize the urgent need to reinforce food assistance measures and integrated public health strategies to reduce inequalities and improve child nutrition in Eastern Europe. Addressing stunting requires coordinated action among governments, communities, and international organizations to achieve sustainable food security and equitable child development.
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