Target 2.2 of the Sustainable Development Goals focuses on ending all forms of malnutrition by 2025, with particular attention to the nutritional needs of children under five years of age, pregnant and lactating women, and vulnerable populations. Malnutrition is a major barrier to sustainable development because it not only affects individual health and well-being but also hinders economic growth, educational outcomes, and social equity. Addressing malnutrition is complex due to the multifaceted factors that contribute to it, including poverty, inadequate access to diverse and nutritious foods, poor maternal and child care practices, lack of clean water and sanitation, and limited access to health services. Despite global efforts, malnutrition remains prevalent in many low- and middle-income countries, reflecting deep-seated structural inequalities and systemic challenges in food production, distribution, and healthcare. Malnutrition manifests in multiple forms, each with distinct physiological and societal implications. Stunting, wasting, and hidden hunger are three primary manifestations that have unique causes, consequences, and interventions. Stunting refers to a condition where children have low height for their age, indicating chronic undernutrition. It usually results from prolonged inadequate intake of essential nutrients combined with repeated infections during early childhood. Stunting has long-term effects on cognitive development, school performance, and adult productivity, and it is difficult to reverse after the first two years of life. It reflects persistent deficiencies in diet quality, household food security, and overall living conditions, and is often linked with poverty, limited access to healthcare, and maternal malnutrition. Stunting is particularly concerning for sustainable development because it perpetuates intergenerational cycles of poverty and poor health, thereby undermining human capital and economic growth. Wasting, in contrast, is characterized by low weight for height and indicates acute undernutrition. It arises from sudden food shortages, illness, or a combination of both, and reflects an immediate, severe deficit in energy and nutrient intake. Wasting is a strong predictor of mortality in children, as it compromises the immune system and increases susceptibility to infections such as diarrhea and pneumonia. Unlike stunting, which develops over time, wasting can appear rapidly and requires urgent intervention through therapeutic feeding programs, emergency nutrition support, and improved healthcare access. The presence of wasting in a population often signals a crisis situation, such as conflict, natural disasters, or severe economic shocks, highlighting vulnerabilities