Economic and Health Determinants of Child Nutritional Status in the Malawian District of Salima

This article investigates the long- and short-term determinants of child nutritional status in the Malawian district of Salima. On the basis of monthly data from July 2004 to June 2012, the study adopts as explanatory variables a set of indicators representative of the following: household food security; maternal and child care; access to and coverage of health services; and health environment and services. Two models are estimated by Ordinary Least Square in order to compare results based on historical series and their trendcycle, seasonal and irregular components. Findings highlight the value of a multidimensional food security indicator and the relevance of seasonal events and climatic shocks to child malnutrition. Implications for policy relate to the urgent need to arrest the long-term cycle of food insecurity and malnutrition and the differential response of child nutritional status to policies on food and health.