Malnutrition in Children

 

Latest Context

1. On 10 October, 2023 a standardised ‘Protocol for Identification and Management of Malnutrition in Children’ launched.

Key Points

1. The protocol provides detailed guidelines for the identification and management of malnourished children at the Anganwadi level.
2. In other words, these new guidelines will check malnutrition among children.

• According to WHO, Malnutrition refers to deficiencies or excesses in nutrient intake, imbalance of essential nutrients or impaired nutrient utilization.

3. The identification of malnourished children and their treatment is an integral aspect of Mission Poshan 2.0.
4. Growth monitoring, appetite testing, nutritional management of malnourished children.

• In Appetite Test children offered food according to body weight.
• If the child does not consume three-fourths of the food, they are transferred to a Nutritional Rehabilitation Centre (NRC).

5. ‘Buddy Mother’ initiative where the mother of a healthy baby guides the mother of a malnourished child at an Angandwadi centre every week.

1. Notably, the ‘Buddy mother’ concept was first used in Assam.
2. Under this, the mother of a healthy baby guides the mother of a malnourished child at an Angandwadi centre every week

Child Wasting in India

 

1. In May, 2023 Levels and trends in child malnutrition: UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Group joint child malnutrition estimates released.
2. According to report, Half of all children with wasting in the world live in India.
3. Also, 18.7 % of Indian children were affected by wasting caused by poor nutrient intake.

India’s Initiatives Related to Malnutrition:

Way Forward

1. Increase Financial Commitments:

• Increase investment in women and children’s health and nutrition to ensure their sustainable development and improved quality of life.

2. Outcome-oriented Approach:

• India must adopt an outcome-oriented approach on nutrition programmes.
• There has to be direct engagement with nutritionally vulnerable groups (this includes the elderly, pregnant women, those with special needs and young children), and contribute toward ensuring last-mile delivery of key nutrition services and interventions.

3. Basic Education and General Awareness:

• Various studies highlight a strong link between mothers’ education and improved access and compliance with nutrition interventions among children.
• We must ensure the young population a competitive advantage, nutrition and health are foundational to that outcome.

4. Programmes’ Monitoring and Evaluation:

• There should be a process to monitor and evaluate programmes and address systemic and on the ground challenges.
• Review nutritional status across States.

 

 

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