Maternal and child malnutrition in low-income and middle-income countries encompasses both undernutrition and a growing problem with overweight and obesity. Low body-mass index, indicative of maternal undernutrition, has declined somewhat in the past two decades but continues to be prevalent in Asia and Africa. Prevalence of maternal overweight has had a steady increase since 1980 and exceeds that of underweight in all regions.

Up-to-date information on the causes of child deaths is crucial to guide global efforts to improve child survival. The authors report new estimates for 2008 of the major causes of death in children younger than 5 years.