Malnutrition is the biggest impediment to the healthy growth of children here, the Health Ministry has said.

A 2009 survey by the Community Health and Disease Control Unit showed substantial percentages of children not achieving the expected height, strength or weight for their ages, reports Haveeru.

A programme was launched in seven atolls four years ago to monitor the growth of children who could not achieve the desired height as a result of malnutrition. The programme also includes teaching parents to make nutritious meals from locally sourced products.

Haveeru sources, however, noted that the programme had not had much impact.