Malaria and growth stunting in young children of the highlands of Papua New Guinea.

In a Highlands Valley, at low altitude, malaria is a contributing factor to stunting of growth, an expression of chronic malnutrition, in young children. The affect is most marked in children under two years of age, and may result from retarded intrauterine growth, although malaria also possibly exerts a direct affect on growth in young children. In the absence of a malaria control programme, distribution of amodiaquine to young children and chloroquine to pregnant women and mothers of young children, could reduce not only unnecessary mortality and ill health, but also contribute to the nutritional well being of growing children. In accessible areas the regular MCH clinics held every month could effect such a prophylaxis programme among these at risk groups.