Doha, December 03 (QNA) - The Ministry of Public Health, in partnership with the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office, hosted a training workshop on the WHO growth charts for children under five.

The workshop was led by consultants from the WHO Regional Office, with participants from various public and private healthcare institutions in Qatar. It aimed to build the capacity of medical staff and included both theoretical lectures and practical training.

This initiative is part of the Ministry's commitment to raising awareness about child health and growth assessment, helping to early detect growth issues like stunting, overweight, and obesity, which allows for timely intervention and treatment.

The workshop is also part of "Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative," launched by WHO and UNICEF in 1991 to protect and promote health of pregnant women, new mothers, and their children.

Early childhood is a critical period for physical and cognitive development, and monitoring growth is essential in assessing children's health, identifying potential risks, and guiding national interventions through standardized measurement methods in healthcare institutions. (QNA)