Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Undernutrition, encompassing stunting, wasting, and underweight, remains a significant public health challenge in India, impacting human capital and economic development. According to the National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5, 2021), 37.3% of children under five years are stunted, highlighting the persistent nature of the problem. While India has made progress in reducing overall malnutrition rates, significant disparities persist across regions and socioeconomic groups. This question requires an examination of the multifaceted nature of these challenges, focusing on the factors contributing to undernutrition at different stages of the life cycle.
Understanding Nutrition Challenges
Nutrition challenges extend beyond calorie deficiency, encompassing micronutrient deficiencies (iron, iodine, vitamin A), and imbalances in macronutrient intake. These deficiencies lead to impaired physical and cognitive development, increased susceptibility to infections, and reduced productivity.
Factors Contributing to Undernutrition Across the Lifecycle
Pregnancy (Critical Window)
- Maternal Health & Nutrition: Poor maternal nutrition during pregnancy (especially the first 1000 days) directly impacts fetal development. Deficiencies in iron, folate, and iodine increase the risk of birth defects and low birth weight.
- Access to Healthcare: Limited access to antenatal care and inadequate nutritional supplementation (like iron and folic acid) exacerbate the problem.
- Socioeconomic Factors: Poverty, lack of education, and gender inequality restrict access to nutritious food and healthcare.
Infancy (0-6 Months)
- Exclusive Breastfeeding: Lack of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, as recommended by WHO, deprives infants of vital nutrients and antibodies. Early introduction of formula or other foods can dilute breast milk's benefits.
- Hygiene & Sanitation: Poor sanitation and hygiene practices increase the risk of infections, hindering nutrient absorption.
Childhood (6 Months - 5 Years)
- Dietary Diversity: Limited dietary diversity, with reliance on staple foods like rice and wheat, leads to micronutrient deficiencies.
- Infections: Frequent episodes of diarrhea and respiratory infections impair nutrient absorption and increase metabolic demands.
- Food Security: Household food insecurity restricts access to adequate and nutritious food.
Adolescence (10-19 Years)
- Rapid Growth: Adolescents have increased nutritional needs for growth and development. Poor diets can lead to stunted growth, delayed puberty, and impaired cognitive function.
- Iron Deficiency Anemia: Rapid growth combined with menstruation in girls increases the risk of iron deficiency anemia.
- Social & Cultural Factors: Early marriage, adolescent pregnancies, and restrictive food habits contribute to malnutrition.
Adulthood (19+ Years)
- Chronic Diseases: Poor diet and lifestyle choices increase the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, which can further impact nutritional status.
- Food Choices: Increasing consumption of processed foods, high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, contributes to "hidden hunger" – deficiency in micronutrients despite adequate calorie intake.
| Life Stage | Key Nutritional Vulnerability | Contributing Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Pregnancy | Fetal Development | Maternal malnutrition, limited healthcare access |
| Infancy | Nutrient Absorption & Immunity | Lack of exclusive breastfeeding, poor hygiene |
| Childhood | Growth & Development | Limited dietary diversity, frequent infections |
Government Initiatives
The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme, launched in 1975, aims to provide supplementary nutrition, immunization, and health and sanitation services to children under six years and pregnant women and lactating mothers. The Poshan Abhiyaan (National Nutrition Mission) launched in 2018, further strengthens efforts to reduce stunting, wasting, and under-weight among children, and anemia among women.
Case Study: Maharashtra's 'Mamta' Scheme
Maharashtra's Mamta Scheme provides nutritional support to pregnant women and lactating mothers, including iron and folic acid supplementation, ready-to-eat foods, and counseling on infant and young child feeding practices. The scheme has been credited with contributing to a reduction in maternal and infant mortality rates in targeted districts.
Conclusion
Addressing undernutrition requires a multi-sectoral and lifecycle-based approach. Focusing on maternal and child health, promoting dietary diversity, improving sanitation, and empowering women are crucial steps. Strengthening existing programs like ICDS and Poshan Abhiyaan, alongside targeted interventions like Maharashtra’s Mamta Scheme, is essential to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger) and ensure a healthier and more productive India. A shift towards sustainable food systems and nutritional literacy is also paramount.
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.