Rationale for developing a new international growth reference

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Public Health
• Anthropometry

Background:

• The World Health Organization (WHO) Working Group on infant growth (1990) identified the need for updated international growth references.
• Existing references did not fully reflect optimal growth patterns or utilize modern analytical techniques.
• There was a recognized need to link anthropometric data with functional health outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a new international growth reference that describes how children *should* grow, serving as a standard rather than just a description.
• To utilize an international sampling frame to demonstrate growth similarities across diverse ethnic groups.
• To integrate anthropometric assessments with functional outcomes to provide a comprehensive view of child health.

Main Methods:

• Development of a new international growth reference based on a global sample of healthy children.
• Application of modern analytical methods to growth data.
• Inclusion of links between anthropometric measurements and functional health outcomes.

Main Results:

• The new reference provides a scientifically robust tool for monitoring child growth.
• It highlights the commonalities in early childhood growth across diverse populations.
• The reference serves as a benchmark for assessing and promoting child health globally.

Conclusions:

• Upgrading international growth references to standards facilitates monitoring of health and social equity goals.
• A global standard based on well-nourished children is crucial for advocating for child health.
• This new reference supports health-care providers and policymakers in promoting optimal child development.