Malnutrition in India

Malnutrition is a condition, that results from eating a diet that contains either insufficient nutrients or excess nutrients, as a result of which health problems occurs. The nutrients involved are calories, carbohydrates, vitamins, protein, minerals, etc. Malnutrition refers to deficiencies, excesses or imbalances in a person's intake of energy or nutrients.

 

Malnutrition covers two different categories of conditions, that are:

Under-nutrition:-

This category covers stunting ( low height for age), wasting ( low weight for height), underweight ( low weight for age), and micro-nutrient deficiencies ( lack of important minerals). Under-nutrition during pregnancy or before two years of age of child may cause permanent mental and physical development problems. 

Over-nutrition:-

This category consists of overweight, obesity, diet-related non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer, etc. 

The World Health Organization releases the Global Nutrition Report every year with an assessment to the state of global nutrition. 

The reason behind the rapid rise in obesity in adults and children is the cheaply available food and drinks. Overweight problems is prevalent in poor as well as rich countries. Many families cannot afford or have access to fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, meat, milk, etc. 

The World Health Organization release the Global Nutrition Report every year with an assessment to the state of global nutrition. 

The reason behind the rapid rise in obesity in adults and children in the cheaply available food and drinks. Overweight problems is prevalent in poor as well as rich countries. Many families cannot afford or have access to fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, meat, milk, etc. 

Malnutrition in India

As per the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) 14.5% of India's population is undernourished. 

In the Global Hunger Index 2019 report, India is ranked abysmally low at 102nd position out of 117 countries. 

As per UNICEF report 38% of children younger than 5 years of age in India are stunted. 

Approximately 40% of the children from Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe and Other Backward Classes are stunted. 

As per UNICEF report, India is at 17th position for the highest number of stunted children. 

Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh Pradesh has the highest percentage of underweight childbirths in India. 

Steps taken by Indian Government:-

Poshan Abhiyan or National Nutrition Mission:

It aims to improve nutritional outcomes for children, pregnant women and lactating mothers.

 

Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) :

It aims to improve the nutritional and health status of children in the age group 0-6 years and reduce the incidence of mortality, morbidity, malnutrition and school dropouts. 

Midday Meal Scheme:

The scheme provides meals for all school children studying in classes 1-8 of government, government-aided schools. 

Public Distribution System:

It provides coverage upto 75% of rural population and upto 50% of the urban population for receiving highly subsidized foodgrains under Targeted Public Distribution System.