India faces tremendous challenges with the increased burden of malnutrition. This issue is linked to the complicated mix of social, economic, and cultural differences in the country. The multidimensional nature of the problem demands urgent attention and dedicated resources to prevent a further reduction in nutritional indicators.
What is Malnutrition?
- As per the World Health Organization (WHO), malnutrition is deficiencies, excesses or imbalances in a person’s intake of energy and nutrients.
- It is a condition that arises from inadequate intake of vital nutrients essential for optimal health, growth, and development within an individual’s diet.
Severity of Malnutrition in India
According to the National Family Health Survey 5:
Prevalence of Malnutrition:
- 35.5% of children under age five years are stunted
- 19.3% are wasted
- 32.1% are underweight
- 3% are overweight
- Malnutrition among women aged 15-49 years is 18.7%
What are the Consequences of Malnutrition in India?
Health Implications:
(a) Stunted Growth: Malnutrition(children) results in stunted growth, which impacts physical and cognitive development.
(b) Weakened Immune System: Malnourished individuals are more vulnerable to infections due to a weak immune system, eventually resulting in increased morbidity and mortality.
Educational Consequences:
(a) Cognitive Impairment: Malnutrition during early childhood can lead to hindrances in cognitive function, learning abilities and academic performance.
(b) School Dropout Rates: Malnourished children face challenges in attending school regularly and are prone to dropping out.
Economic Impact:
(a) Productivity Loss: It leads to decreased work productivity, ultimately affecting the nation’s overall economic output.
(b) Increased Healthcare Costs: Due to malnutrition higher burden on the healthcare system, leads to increased healthcare costs for the government and individuals.
Social Consequences:
(a) Increased Vulnerability: Malnutrition mostly affects economically disadvantaged communities, widening social inequalities.
(b) Stigma and Discrimination: Individuals face societal stigma and discrimination, which affect their mental health and overall well-being.
National Development:
(a) Reduced Human Capital: It hinders the development of human capital, limiting the potential for overall progress.
(b) Increased Healthcare Burden: Increased burden on healthcare resources, diverts attention and resources from other essential health initiatives.
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Key Challenges in Handling Malnutrition in India
- Economic Inequality: Due to their low economic status, poor people are unable to afford nutritious food. About 74% of India’s population cannot afford a healthy diet.
- Inadequate Dietary Intake And Dietary Shifts: Shift in dietary pattern from diverse and balanced meals to processed and sugar-laden
- Poor Sanitation: Poor sanitation and hygiene practices increase the exposure to pathogens and parasites that can cause infections and diseases. The NFHS-5 found that only 69% of households use an improved sanitation facility.
- Lack of Primary Health Infrastructure: Access to basic health services, like antenatal care, immunisation or treatment of infections exacerbates the situation and can worsen malnutrition.
- Delayed and Inconsistent Delivery: Delays in program implementation and inconsistent delivery of services contribute to gaps in nutritional interventions. According to the NFHS-5, only 50.3% of children under six years received any service from an Anganwadi.
Steps Taken by the Government Against Malnutrition
- Mission Poshan 2.0
- Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme
- Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY
- Mid-Day Meal Scheme
- Scheme for Adolescent Girls (SAG)
- Mother’s Absolute Affection (MAA)
- Poshan Vatikas
How to Tackle Malnutrition in India Effectively?
- Adoption of Fortification: The addition of essential nutrients while processing staple foods is a low-cost method, which makes it economically possible for large-scale implementation.
- Develop a Focused SBCC Action Plan: The government should collaborate to develop a well-structured and focused Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC) Action Plan.
- Enhance Healthcare Infrastructure: The government should adopt measures to strengthen healthcare facilities, especially in rural areas, and at the same time facilitate early detection and management of malnutrition. More attention on ameliorating the capacity of healthcare workers to diagnose and treat malnutrition.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: Establishment of robust monitoring and evaluation systems to track the impact of nutrition interventions.
- Consumption of Locally Nutritious Food: Promotion of the consumption of foods that are rich in essential nutrients. Dietary diversity is necessary by encouraging a variety of locally available foods.
- Community Empowerment: Involve local communities in designing and implementing nutrition programs. The establishment of community-based initiatives will promote self-sufficiency in nutritious food production.
Conclusion
To materialise the UN Sustainable Development Goal 2 of Zero Hunger by 2030 and eliminate malnutrition, India will have to prioritise and invest in the health and well-being of its subjects. Relying on a comprehensive and collaborative strategy, the nation can step towards significantly reducing malnutrition, unlocking the full potential of its people and fostering a healthier, more prosperous future.