Malnutrition among children: India needs a focused public health and nutritional policy

Abstract

MALNUTRITION is the most persistent challenge for policymakers. According to the FAO, 18 per cent of India's population was undernourished in 2012. And worst, children are the most visible victims of under-nutrition, which is the underlying cause of diarrhea, malaria, measles, and pneumonia. Under-nutrition accounts for half of the deaths in children below the age of five years. According to UNICEF, India houses one-third of the stunted/wasted (termed malnourished) children of the world and 46 per cent of the children below the age of three are too small for their age and 47 per cent are underweight. Under-nutrition can result from lack of nutrients in an individual's diet, a weakened immune system and inability to absorb nutrients. Under-nutrition increases the risk of chronic diseases and its impact lasts lifelong. Read more at: https://www.tribuneindia.com/2014/20140104/edit.htm#5