Optimizing Health Workers: A Systematic Literature Review of Their Impact on Stunting Reduction

Stunting persists as a significant global health challenge, impacting millions of children and hindering their physical and cognitive growth, with profound long-term health and economic ramifications. Health professionals, serving as frontline providers of critical nutrition and healthcare services, are instrumental in mitigating stunting; however, there is a notable deficiency in comprehending how their distinct roles and efficacy contribute to the alleviation of stunting. This investigation seeks to systematically analyze the existing literature to evaluate the direct and indirect impacts of health workers on stunting reduction, highlighting essential factors such as training, resource availability, and systemic integration that affect effectiveness. By employing Scopus-indexed metadata spanning from 1991 to 2024, this study explores the function of health workers within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2, which aspires to eradicate hunger and enhance nutrition. A bibliometric analysis was performed utilizing VOSviewer to illustrate the interconnections among key concepts. The results elucidate significant barriers and facilitators that influence health workers’ effectiveness in stunting interventions. The findings offer practical recommendations for policymakers and health organizations, ultimately aiding in the formulation of more effective strategies to combat stunting and enhance child health outcomes on a global scale.