Double burden, poverty and sustainable development in Brazil between 2015-2023

Background: Stunting is a marker of chronic malnutrition associated with adverse socioeconomic conditions and health inequities. In Brazil, despite general improvements in nutritional indicators, stunting prevalence has remained stagnant since 2006. Public policies aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) play a crucial role in addressing these disparities. Objective: analyze the effects of SDGs policies on changes of the frequency and distribution of the double burden of nutrition disease among Brazilian children from 2015 to 2023, considering regional disparities and the impact of clusters of public policies aligned with the SDGs. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted using data from SISVAN and the Sustainable Cities Development Index (IDCS). Latent class analysis was used to group municipalities into clusters of public policies. Fixed and random-effects regression models were applied to evaluate the association between policy clusters and stunting prevalence. Projections of stunting prevalence were performed up to 2030 under different policy scenarios. Results: Clusters of public policies showed an association with stunting prevalence, highlighting significant regional disparities. Municipalities with robust policies exhibited lower rates, while vulnerable areas faced greater challenges. Despite an increase in SISVAN coverage, significant inequalities persisted. Conclusion: Strengthening integrated public policies and expanding the coverage of nutritional surveillance systems are essential to reducing regional disparities and achieving the SDGs. Evidence-based strategies should prioritize vulnerable populations to promote greater health equity in Brazil.