Fighting Hunger & Malnutrition

The paradox of India’s economic growth

A recently published study (2011)HungaMa.2011.Fighting Hunger & Malnutrition. The HUNGaMA Survey Report reinforces the idea that while India has been enjoying a steady economic growth for a decade, it seems to have little impact on children’s well-being and welfare. The Hunger and Malnutrition (HungaMa) Survey promoted by the Citizen’s Alliance against Malnutrition and sponsorized by the UNSCN ( United Nations Standing Committee on Nutrition) links this paradox with the difficulties encountered by Indian women with regard to access to land.

Child malnutrition in India

The survey showed that child malnutrition is widespread in several states and districts of India but there has been a noted reduction of the prevalence of child malnutrition. Between 2004 and 2011 it has decreased by 20.3%. Child malnutrition is closely linked with birth underweight and as such, young children are particularly at risk. While low-income families are the most touched, child malnutrition remains prevalent in middle-income household and even high-income ones.

Women’s condition in India and child malnutrition

The survey found that the prevalence of child malnutrition is closely correlated with the level of a mother’s education. Rates of child underweight and stunting is significantly higher among mothers with low levels of education.
Furthermore, while young girls seems to have a nutrition advantage over boys in the first months of life, this advantage is reversed over time with the growth of girls and boys which suggest care neglect towards girls in early childhood. Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of a child’s life is not commonly practised in India.

See also

• Access to land
• India

References

External links

• Fighting Hunger and MalnutritionThe HUNGaMA Survey Report 2011.