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One of the pressing issues in India has been the inadequate nutrition provided to children between the ages of six and 24 months.
remains a formidable challenge due to a complex interplay of socio-economic factors.
High levels of poverty, limited access to healthcare, and insufficient awareness contribute to undernutrition among children. Effective interventions, education, and public health initiatives are crucial in addressing this issue.
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The ICMR has acknowledged the shortcomings in complementary feeding practices during this critical period and the potential consequences, including wasting, stunting, and undernutrition.
A Multi-Center Research Approach by ICMR
In response to this challenge, the ICMR is in the process of forming a team to conduct a multi-center research study. This study will assess the impact of introducing appropriate take-home foods along with behavior change interventions. The objective is to encourage and establish sound complementary feeding practices that are nutritionally optimal, meeting the nutritional needs of young children.
One of the primary concerns the ICMR aims to address is the quality and appropriateness of complementary foods given to children between six and 24 months of age. This age window plays a pivotal role in shaping a child’s future, influencing their growth trajectory, development, and overall potential. Ensuring that they receive the right nutrition during this phase is crucial.
Key Factors Influencing Child Malnutrition in India
- Inadequate availability and accessibility of nutritious food options contribute to child malnutrition
- A lack of awareness regarding proper nutrition hampers the ability to provide children with well-balanced diets
- Widespread poverty limits many families’ capacity to afford and access nutritious meals for their children
- Prevalent diseases such as malaria and measles can worsen malnutrition in children
- Maternal health plays a pivotal role, as anemic mothers may struggle to provide adequate nutrition for their children
- Deep-rooted socio-cultural factors, such as gender disparities in food distribution, can exacerbate malnutrition
- Households with more children may face challenges in providing sufficient nutrition to all members
- Substandard housing, inadequate sanitation, and water supply issues can hinder children’s overall health and nutrition
Impact of Child Malnutrition
- Children experience stunted growth and delayed physical development, affecting their overall health
- Malnourished children often face cognitive and intellectual challenges, including difficulties with learning, memory, attention, and problem-solving
- Malnourished children are at a heightened risk of developing chronic diseases later in life, such as diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and obesity, underscoring the importance of addressing child malnutrition comprehensively
India loses up to 4% of its gross domestic product and 8% of its productivity due to child malnutrition.
The time span from six to 24 months marks a critical developmental phase for children. It lays the foundation for their growth and health in the future. The ICMR’s initiative seeks to rectify the deficiencies in complementary feeding practices, thus promoting optimal growth, development, and overall well-being among India’s youngest generation.
As the ICMR embarks on this ambitious research study, they have invited expressions of interest from researchers across India to contribute to this significant endeavor.
This initiative holds the promise of addressing childhood undernutrition and setting the stage for a healthier, more prosperous future for India’s children.
Reference :
- Request for Expression of Interest (EoI) to develop and evaluate efficacy/effectiveness of providing appropriate take home foods in combination with behaviour change intervention to reduce malnutrition (wasting/stunting/underweight) – (https:main.icmr.nic.in/sites/default/files/seminars/EoI_03102023.pdf)
Source: Medindia
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