India, Jan. 30 -- A new analysis by UNICEF has highlighted a major burden of at-risk infants under six months in the Eastern and Southern Africa Region (ESAR), driven by high rates of low birth weight (LBW), wasting, stunting and underweight in this age group.

The study, conducted by UNICEF's Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office (ESARO), examined health and nutrition policies across five countries - Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar and Malawi - where undernutrition rates among children under five are particularly high. The findings indicated an urgent need for policy interventions and improved healthcare services to address gaps in care and implement the 2023 WHO guidelines on infant nutrition.

According to the report, an est...