A multi-dimensional approach to tackle malnutrition

A multi-dimensional approach to tackle malnutrition

Malnutrition is a rising concern among the children of developing nations. Developing countries are among the most vulnerable to malnutrition. It occurs when an individual consumes less amount of food or fails to take essential nutrients. This can lead to numerous health complications down the line or even death. So, how do we tackle this issue?

National Family Health Survey

The National Family Health Survey (NFHS) is a large-scale, multi-round survey conducted in a representative sample of households throughout India. Three rounds of the survey have been conducted since the first survey in 1992-93.

The survey provides state and national information for India on fertility, infant and child mortality, the practice of family planning, maternal and child health, reproductive health, nutrition, anaemia, utilization and quality of health and family planning services.

Each successive round of the NFHS has had two specific goals:

1. to provide essential data on health and family welfare needed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and other agencies for policy and programme purposes
2. to provide information on important emerging health and family welfare issues.

National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) has provided mixed results.

1. Positive resultsinclude fall in infant mortality rates and under-five mortality rates, increase in institutional births and child immunisation rates. 
2. Negative resultsinclude worsening nutrition level.

For dealing with the issue of malnutrition, it is important that direct nutrition interventions are ensured during pregnancy, breastfeeding and in the early years of a child’s life.

Improve the nutrition level by a multidimensional approach

(a) The nutrition level of the pregnant women, lactating mothers and young children can be improved by a multidimensional approach such as provision of hot cooked meals with adequate protein, milk and green leafy vegetables.

(b) Taking the life-cycle approach, it is important to work on reducing the prevalence of stunting at birth, improving child growth and nutrition through treatment for severe acute undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and prevention of excessive weight gain in small children.

(c) Economic empowerment of women is indirectly linked to children's nutrition. The benefits are multifold. A study conducted that the economic independence of the mother teaches her to demand respect, discipline and care from her husband and children.

(d) The government of India has expressed its plan to strengthen the anganwadis by 2022. On this true note, it has been proposed that anganwadi workers will be provided with two-wheelers so that they can reach out to the most remote and needy places. Thus, it is evident from the above scenario that strengthening the most crucial social institution is a must.

(e) At the level of gram panchayats, nutrition is dealt with in a piecemeal way. The frontline staff of anganwadis are responsible for planning and implementing interventions in the communities. They do this by working as per their mandate from state government, and through the use of multisectoral approaches like CSR funds from corporate houses, etc.

(f) Improving nutrition level among the underprivileged people is a challenging task. Nutrition is an inevitable requirement for a healthy and disease-free life. Applying multilevel approach will be very effective to tackle the issue of exclusion and convergence. Local governments are to be given unprecedented importance in tackling both the issues.

What is the role of each community in public health nutrition?

The community should be involved in improving the nutrition level of children across sectors. It involves three dimensions and strategies to implement it.

First, empowerment occurs at all levels—from individuals to institutions, which includes SHGs, Panchayat, and local government.

Second, empowerment brings positive changes and interventions both to individuals and households.

Thirdly, self-empowered women assert their right to feed their children nutritious foods from a fair market that is free from exploitation.