Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM) is a broad term referring to deficiencies or imbalances in macronutrients – protein, energy (calories), and micronutrients – essential for growth and development. Globally, it remains a significant public health challenge, disproportionately affecting children in low-income countries. According to UNICEF, nearly one in five children under five are stunted, a manifestation of chronic malnutrition. While advancements in food security have been made, persistent poverty, inadequate healthcare, and poor sanitation continue to contribute to the prevalence of PEM, impacting cognitive development and increasing vulnerability to diseases. This response will define PEM and analyze the reasons behind its prevalence among children.
What is Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM)?
PEM encompasses a spectrum of conditions, broadly categorized into:
- Marasmus: Characterized by severe calorie deficiency, leading to emaciation, stunted growth, and muscle wasting.
- Kwashiorkor: Primarily a protein deficiency, resulting in edema (swelling), particularly in the ankles and face, along with skin lesions and hair discoloration.
- Mixed PEM: A combination of both calorie and protein deficiencies.
Reasons for Malnutrition Among Children
Malnutrition in children is rarely caused by a single factor; it's a complex interplay of various socio-economic, environmental, and health-related issues.
Socio-Economic Factors
- Poverty: Limited access to nutritious food due to financial constraints is the primary driver. Many families struggle to afford a balanced diet.
- Food Insecurity: Erratic food supply, fluctuating prices, and lack of access to markets contribute to inadequate nutrition.
- Low Maternal Education: Lack of knowledge about proper nutrition and infant feeding practices among mothers directly impacts children’s diets.
- Gender Inequality: In many societies, girls and women are often prioritized less in food allocation, leading to malnutrition among young girls.
Environmental Factors
- Famine and Drought: Natural disasters severely disrupt food production and distribution, leading to widespread malnutrition. The 2002 drought in Gujarat, India, exemplified this.
- Poor Sanitation and Hygiene: Contaminated water and inadequate sanitation increase the risk of diarrheal diseases, impairing nutrient absorption.
- Climate Change: Increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events negatively impact crop yields and livestock production.
Health-Related Factors
- Infections: Frequent episodes of infections like diarrhea, pneumonia, and measles deplete nutrient reserves and hinder growth.
- Poor Infant Feeding Practices: Delayed initiation of breastfeeding, improper weaning practices, and reliance on diluted or contaminated formula milk contribute to malnutrition. The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5, 2019-21) highlights suboptimal infant feeding practices in many regions.
- Maternal Malnutrition: A mother’s nutritional status during pregnancy and lactation directly impacts the child’s health and development.
- Lack of Access to Healthcare: Limited access to essential healthcare services, including immunization and nutritional counseling, exacerbates the problem.
Government Initiatives
The Indian government has launched several schemes to address malnutrition:
- Poshan Abhiyaan (2018): A national nutrition mission aimed at improving nutritional outcomes for children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.
- Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS): Provides supplementary nutrition, immunization, and health services to children under six years of age and pregnant women.
| Scheme | Focus | Target Group |
|---|---|---|
| Poshan Abhiyaan | Improved nutritional outcomes | Children, pregnant women, lactating mothers |
| ICDS | Supplementary nutrition, immunization, health services | Children under 6, pregnant women |
Conclusion
Protein Energy Malnutrition remains a persistent challenge, demanding a multi-pronged approach. While government schemes like Poshan Abhiyaan and ICDS are crucial, their effectiveness hinges on improved implementation, community participation, and addressing the underlying socio-economic determinants. Focusing on maternal health, promoting breastfeeding, ensuring food security, and improving sanitation are vital steps towards achieving a malnutrition-free childhood. A holistic and sustainable strategy is essential to ensure the healthy growth and development of India's future generations.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.