Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Protein-Energy Malnutrition (PEM) is a widespread nutritional disorder affecting millions of children globally, particularly in developing countries like India. It arises from a deficiency in protein and calories, leading to impaired growth, weakened immunity, and increased susceptibility to infections. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5, 2019-21), 37.3% of children under five years are stunted, 32.1% are wasted, and 11.6% are underweight, indicating the persistent prevalence of PEM. Addressing this requires a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted causes contributing to this debilitating condition.
What is Protein-Energy Malnutrition (PEM)?
PEM isn't a single disease but a syndrome resulting from insufficient intake of protein and calories. It manifests in various forms, broadly categorized as:
- Marasmus: Severe calorie deficiency leading to extreme thinness and muscle wasting.
- Kwashiorkor: Primarily protein deficiency, characterized by edema (swelling), skin lesions, and hair discoloration.
- Mixed PEM: A combination of both calorie and protein deficiencies.
Reasons for Malnutrition Among Children
1. Food Security Issues
- Poverty and Affordability: Lack of financial resources limits access to nutritious food. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) data consistently shows rising food inflation, particularly for protein-rich foods.
- Poor Food Availability: Inadequate production and distribution of essential foods, especially in rural areas. Seasonal variations in food supply exacerbate the problem.
- Lack of Dietary Diversity: Reliance on staple grains like rice and wheat, with insufficient consumption of fruits, vegetables, pulses, and dairy products.
2. Health and Hygiene Factors
- Infections: Frequent bouts of diarrhea, pneumonia, and other infections increase nutrient requirements and reduce nutrient absorption. Poor sanitation and hygiene contribute significantly to these infections.
- Poor Maternal Health & Nutrition: Malnourished mothers give birth to low-birth-weight babies who are more susceptible to PEM. Lack of prenatal and postnatal care further compounds the issue.
- Lack of Immunization: Insufficient immunization coverage increases the risk of preventable diseases, leading to malnutrition.
3. Socio-Economic and Cultural Factors
- Lack of Awareness: Limited awareness among parents and caregivers about proper nutrition and infant feeding practices. Cultural beliefs and traditional practices can sometimes hinder optimal feeding.
- Early Marriage and Adolescent Pregnancies: Young mothers often lack the knowledge and resources to adequately nourish their children.
- Gender Inequality: In many societies, girls are prioritized less than boys in terms of food allocation, leading to higher rates of malnutrition among girls.
- Limited Access to Healthcare: Geographical barriers and inadequate healthcare infrastructure hinder timely access to nutritional support and treatment.
Government Interventions
The Indian government has implemented several schemes to address malnutrition, including:
- Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS): Launched in 1975, ICDS provides supplementary nutrition, immunization, health check-ups, and preschool education to children under six years and pregnant and lactating mothers.
- Poshan Abhiyaan (National Nutrition Mission): Launched in 2018, this mission aims to improve nutritional outcomes for children, adolescents, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. It adopts a convergent approach, integrating various nutrition programs.
| Scheme | Focus | Year Launched |
|---|---|---|
| ICDS | Overall child development & nutrition | 1975 |
| Poshan Abhiyaan | Improved nutritional outcomes across life cycles | 2018 |
Conclusion
PEM remains a significant public health challenge in India, with deeply rooted causes spanning food security, health, and socio-economic factors. While government interventions like ICDS and Poshan Abhiyaan are crucial, sustained efforts are needed to improve food availability and affordability, promote nutritional awareness, and strengthen healthcare systems. A multi-sectoral approach involving communities, healthcare professionals, and policymakers is essential to effectively combat this pervasive problem and ensure a healthier future for India's children.
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.