Malnutrition in India! Why is this still happening?
Government hospitals in India provide free iron and calcium supplements to expecting moms throughout pregnancy and even during breastfeeding. But the shocking truth is when I ask moms with infants whether they are taking the supplements, most say they don’t like it, so stopped!
Lacking awareness
The socioeconomic strata are often not aware enough, to know that what mother’ s eat, directly affect the development and IQ of their offspring. A welfare state can provide, but whether the subject will accept the change and habit will depend on them.
Too many too soon is another big problem. If you ignore the economics of raising a child, you can’t ignore it takes a physical toll on the body. A mother with five children, one after the other doesn’t let her body heal or grow stronger and the younger the child the more immune-deficient they turn out to be.
I have been writing books about the right habits to fight malnutrition, but often to reach the right population more work is needed. It’s you who can spread the message. Be aware and help fight malnutrition!
Malnutrition of calorie and energy, micronutrient deficiency, all affect growth, development, intelligence mental state and everything that follows. Malnutrition is still the leading cause of death of children under five.
Too many mouths to feed
India’s population has numerous challenges. Its also a human resource only if it’s able to be healthy, happy and productive.2 out of 3 child in India die from malnutrition is a difficult study to swallow.
The maternal education level and nutrition have a strong correlation. The less the mother knows the less she is likely to do the right thing. Women’s education seems to be a very important first step for many things
Malnutrition is still the leading cause of death of children under five. #SahiPoshanDeshRoshan is a much-needed Government of India welfare initiative which hopefully will raise more awareness.
Awareness about proper nutrition is needed for eradicating anemia and malnutrition. But we need everyone to spread awareness, are you doing your bit?
The solution to Malnutrition in India
The National food security Act makes it possible for 75% of rural and 50% of the urban population to receive subsidized foodgrains. It also has a special focus on maternal and child health. The foodgrains distributed through ration cards help feed many hungry mouths.
The problem is when rot sets in at different levels. People who need it don’t receive it. The leaks will need to be stopped, so that the mother and child who need it most, get both good quality food in the right amount, for a healthy life.
Focus on maternal nutrition must be even higher, including observation of macronutrient and micronutrient intake by healthcare workers if possible.
More educational initiative at the grass-root level so that the nutrition of the female child is not ignored.
Good quality locally available food grains, pulses, millets, fruits, and vegetables can go a long way in fighting malnutrition.
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