Every child deserves access to healthy food and basic healthcare. These fundamental rights lay the foundation for their physical, mental, and cognitive development. Yet, the harsh reality is that India's under-5 mortality rate stands at 37 per 1,000 live births, slightly lower than the global average of 39 per 1,000 live births in 2018 (Source: Press Information Bureau Government of India, Feb 2020). This equates to over 800,000 under 5 deaths in India.
A major reason for this is malnutrition, a silent epidemic that continues to cast a long shadow over the well-being of millions of children worldwide. How? For children, it stunts their growth, impedes their cognitive development, and compromises their futures.
While the Government of India has also launched various schemes, including Anganwadi Services and Scheme for Adolescent Girls (SAG), to tackle malnutrition in the country, much work must be done to eradicate this problem. Keep reading to know more about child malnutrition in India, including malnutrition causes in children, types, and prevention methods.
Despite India's impressive strides in various domains, child malnutrition remains a pressing concern. Alarmingly, over 60% of children under the age of 5 are anemic, according to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) data (source: pib.gov.in, Feb 2022). These statistics highlight the urgent need to address the deprivation of essential nutrients and resources crucial for children's overall development from birth.
While organisations like CRY India have made significant strides in protecting children from malnutrition, the nationwide challenge persists. Malnutrition, in fact, contributes to a staggering 69% of deaths among children below 5 years of age (source: UNICEF, 2019)
In some communities, cultural practices and beliefs can influence feeding practices and dietary choices, which may not align with proper nutrition for children. For example, certain cultural beliefs may discourage breastfeeding or the consumption of specific nutrient-rich foods, increasing the risk of malnutrition.
A diet lacking essential nutrients due to insufficient food intake or overconsumption of nutrient-poor foods can lead to malnutrition in children. Without access to a diverse and nutritious diet, children are at high risk of acute malnutrition, which can cause stunting, impaired mental and physical development, and even death. Poor dietary quality is often linked to poverty, food insecurity, and lack of knowledge about proper nutrition.
The nutritional status of mothers during pregnancy and lactation profoundly impacts the child's health. Malnourished mothers are more likely to experience complications during pregnancy and childbirth and may struggle to provide adequate nutrition through breastfeeding. This can increase the risk of malnutrition in newborns and young children, particularly in developing countries where maternal malnutrition is prevalent.
Poverty is a significant driver of child malnutrition in developing countries. Poor families often lack access to fresh fruits, vegetables, and other nutrient-rich foods due to limited resources and inadequate access to full-service grocery stores. Even when fresh produce is available, it may be unaffordable for many families, leading them to rely on less expensive, less nutritious options. Chronic malnutrition is increasingly concentrated in low and lower-middle-income countries, as well as in conflict-affected areas where resources are scarce.
Preventing child malnutrition requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses the root causes and ensures access to nutritious food, clean water, and proper healthcare. Strategies include:
Additionally, addressing underlying issues such as poverty, food insecurity, poor sanitation, and gender inequality is crucial for sustainable progress. Collaborative efforts involving governments, non-governmental organisations, healthcare professionals, and local communities are essential to combat child malnutrition effectively.
Not only this, but CRY India works closely with government bodies to influence policy changes and boost the quality and reach of these programs. This ensures that vulnerable children have access to at least one nutritious meal a day. CRY India , child health NGO, adopts a comprehensive approach to tackling child malnutrition, addressing the issue from multiple perspectives. One of our key initiatives is conducting awareness campaigns and educational programs to educate parents, caregivers, and communities about the importance of proper food, hygiene, and healthcare. By dispelling myths and misconceptions, CRY India equips individuals with the knowledge to make better decisions about their children's health, empowering them to prevent malnutrition.
Additionally, CRY India advocates for implementing and improving mid-day meal programs in schools nationwide. These programs provide essential nutrients to children and incentivize school attendance, contributing to increased enrollment rates.
Addressing child malnutrition—a global challenge—requires a concerted effort from various stakeholders, including governments, non-governmental organisations, healthcare professionals, and local communities. We can work towards preventing and eliminating child malnutrition by raising awareness, promoting proper nutrition education, and improving access to healthcare services. Organisations like CRY India are leading the way in this fight, demonstrating that with collective action and a commitment to ensuring the well-being of children, we can create a healthier and more equitable future for generations to come.
Donate to NGOs like CRY India or volunteer your time. Raise awareness and advocate for policies that ensure access to nutritious food for all children. Every action, big or small, adds up to a healthier future for underprivileged children.
In India, investing in education is the most effective method to aid poor children. Support NGOs like CRY that fight hunger and poverty. Advocate for education, especially for girls. Sponsor a child's future. Promote access to nutritious food and long-term solutions like food security. You can make a difference!
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