Malnutrition in Children : Affect, symptoms, steps taken by government and solutions

Malnutrition in Children

A disparity in the nutrients your body need to operate correctly is referred to as malnutrition, a general phrase. This can indicate either an excess of nutrients (overnutrition) or insufficient nutrients (undernutrition).

Every nation has its share of malnourished citizens. 462 million persons globally are underweight, and 1.9 billion adults are overweight. Roughly 159 million children under the age of five are stunted, 50 million are wasting, and 41 million overweight or obese. The 528 million, or 29%, of women globally who are of reproductive age who suffer from anemia—of which almost half might benefit from iron supplements—add to this burden.

The number of children and adults who are overweight and obese is rapidly rising as a result of the affordability and accessibility of a sufficient supply of nutritious foods, such as fresh fruit and vegetables, legumes, meat, and milk, while meals and drinks heavy in fat, sugar, and salt are more affordable and more widely available. 

According to World Health organization~ Globally in 2022, 149 million children under 5 were estimated to be stunted (too short for age), 45 million were estimated to be wasted (too thin for height), and 37 million were overweight or obese. Nearly half of deaths among children under 5 years of age are linked to undernutrition.

Above Video by DNA INDIA NEWS

report on nutrition highlights malnutrition to be the leading risk factor for disease burden in India, the worrying trends and the urgent need to address the gaps in all malnutrition indicators.

In April 2016, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming the UN Decade of Action on Nutrition from 2016 to 2025. The Decade aims to catalyse policy commitments that result in measurable action to address all forms of malnutrition. The aim is to ensure all people have access to healthier and more sustainable diets to eradicate all forms of malnutrition worldwide. ~ WHO.

News of malnutrition affected children in India :

Here is a graph tell clearly , 3 in 4 Indians can't afford healthy food

Symptoms of Malnutrition .

The most common cause of undernutrition is consuming insufficient amounts of certain nutrients.

This may result in:

Loss of weight

Reduction in muscle and fat mass

Sunken eyes and hollow cheeks

An enlarged stomach

Dry skin and hair

Delayed healing of wounds

Weary

Inability to concentrate

Intolerance

Anxiety and depression

One or more of these symptoms may be present in undernourished individuals. Undernutrition in certain forms can have serious consequences.

Workshop in slum area done by me 

https://x.com/RRajmin/status/1685688734329790464?s=20

Steps taken by government

1. The National Nutrition Mission, or Poshan Abhiyaan: 

Abhiyaan was introduced in 2017 and serves as a mission mode convergence platform, uniting many nutrition-related initiatives under a one roof.

2. The scheme for Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS):

The biggest child development programme in the world, ICDS is run via a massive network of more than 1.4 million Anganwadi centres spread out over India. 

Children under the age of six, nursing moms, and expectant mothers.

Anganwadi centres offer vital services including immunisations, healthcare examinations, supplemental nutrition (hot cooked meals and take-home rations), and pre-school education.

3. Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY):

• Focus :Maternal health and nutrition.
• Pregnant women receive Rs. 5,000 in installments to improve their dietary intake and access to healthcare services.
• The government has expanded the program's eligibility criteria in 2023 to cover more pregnant women, potentially impacting millions of beneficiaries

Agenda 2030 : Tackling Hunger, Malnutrition and Ensuring Food Security

Solutions 

Millions of people worldwide suffer from malnutrition, a disorder brought on by ingesting inadequate or imbalanced amounts of nutrients. It may result in immune system weakness, stunted growth, poor cognitive development, or even death. 

Diversify the Production and Consumption of Food:

Promote agricultural diversity: To create a more varied and nutrient-dense food supply, encourage farmers to plant a greater variety of crops, such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts.

Empower smallholder farmers: Provide them with tools and training to increase their yields and marketability, boosting local access to nutrient-dense food and food security.

 Educate consumers: Spread knowledge about the value of a balanced diet and promote the consumption of a variety of nutrient-dense foods.

References:

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/malnutrition

https://youtu.be/BE8plh5Wno8?si=hgejiww9wgGpmUca.

https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/malnutrition

https://images.app.goo.gl/sjgRgU9cc3zLsVEx7.

https://images.app.goo.gl/JFa2JdSn3Q5Gvy2F7.

https://images.app.goo.gl/fRNicBMmz3WuK9wBA.