Global nutrition targets 2030: low birth weight brief

Overview

Low birth weight is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as weight at birth less than 2500 g (5.5 lb). Low birth weight continues to be a significant public health problem globally and is associated with a range of both short- and long-term consequences. In the short term, low birth weight is strongly linked to increased neonatal mortality and morbidity.

The global prevalence of low birth weight has stagnated between 2012 (15%) and 2020 (14.7%). The world is clearly not on track to achieve the original 2025 target of reducing the global prevalence by 30%. During the 78th World Health Assembly, WHO’s Member States passed a resolution to extend the target for five more years to 2030, during which time actors can intensify attention to, investment in, and actions for reducing the prevalence of low birth weight. The purpose of this brief is to highlight the interventions and policies needed to achieve the extended target by 2030.