CHAPTER 2 TARGET 2.2 OF THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS: MALNUTRITION under 5 is 23.2 percent. In Asia and the Pacific, the prevalence is higher at 24.4 percent, indicating under 5 years of age. Papua New Guinea stood out with the highest prevalence at 47.6 percent. Several region compared to the world average. Among other countries in Oceania, such as the Republic subregions in Asia and the Pacific, Eastern Asia has of the Marshall Islands, Vanuatu and the Solomon the lowest prevalence at 4.8 percent, suggesting better child nutritional status. Oceania (excluding above 30 percent. In Southern Asia, Afghanistan had the highest at 42 percent; Pakistan and India recorded prevalences above 30 percent, likewise South-Eastern Asia, which has a prevalence of indicating a significant burden of stunting, but 22.7 percent, and also higher when compared With Southern Asia, which shows prevalence at of stunting between 2012 and 2024, by 10.3 and 31.4 percent, highlighting substantial challenges 8.8 percentage points, respectively (see Iable 6). in ensuring good child nutrition and growth. In South-Eastern Asia, Timor-Leste followed by Clearly, stunting, which reflects chronic Philippines with prevalence of 45.5, 29.9 and 27.7, respectively, were the countries wrestling with remains a significant public health issue, particularly in Southern Asia. The higher the highest prevalences of stunting. In contrast, prevalences of stunting at around 5 percent or less. in nutrition. Eastern Asia's low prevalence need for intensified nutrition programmes, Well as Southern Asia, to meet global targets