In 1993 the World Health Organization (WHO) undertook a comprehensive review of the uses and interpretation of anthropometric references. The review concluded that the NCHS/WHO growth reference, which had been recommended for international use since the late 1970s, did not adequately represent early childhood growth and that new growth curves were necessary. The World Health Assembly endorsed this recommendation in 1994. The WHO Multicentre Growth Reference Study (MGRS) was undertaken in response to that endorsement and implemented between 1997 and 2003 to generate new curves for assessing the growth and development of children the world over. The MGRS collected primary growth data and related information from 8440 healthy breastfed infants and young children from diverse ethnic backgrounds and cultural settings (Brazil, Ghana, India, Norway, Oman and USA). The weight-for-age charts presented in this Annex are part of these standards. The selection of standard deviations (SD) curves and the presentation of the charts are adapted for use in the IMCI context, with weekly divisions in the first two months and monthly divisions from 2 to 60 months of age. Expanded reference tables necessary for construction of national child health records are available at http://www.who.int/childgrowth/standards/weight_for_age/en/index.html, where there are detailed instructions on how to use them.

IMCI – Weight-for-age (girls)

IMCI – Weight-for-age (boys)