CHILD MALNUTRITION (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Health)

Context: The Union Minister of Women and Child Development (WCD) recently launched the first-ever "Protocol for Identification and Management of Malnutrition in Children," highlighting the government's commitment to addressing child malnutrition.

• The protocols define in detail the identification of children suffering from severe acute malnutrition (SAM), the processes that needed to for a healthy weight.

Malnutrition

• About: Malnutrition encompasses various forms, including undernutrition (characterized by wasting, stunting, and underweight), as well as obesity and the resulting diet-related noncommunicable diseases. 
• Three Main Groups of Malnutrition

oUndernutrition: Comprises wasting (low weight-for-height), stunting (low height-for-age), and underweight (low weight-for-age).

oMicronutrient-related malnutrition, encompassing micronutrient deficiencies or excess.

oOverweight, obesity, and diet-related noncommunicable diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and certain cancers.

• Malnutrition represents a persistent and enduring challenge for the public administration in India.

Government Initiatives

• POSHAN Abhiyaan
• Mid-day Meal (MDM) scheme
• The National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013
• Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY)
• Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme