Status of India in malnutrition 2022

India has been struggling with malnutrition for a long time, and it remains a significant public health problem in the country. According to the Global Nutrition Report 2020, India has the highest number of undernourished people in the world, with an estimated 189.2 million people affected by undernutrition in 2020. Additionally, India has a high prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies, including vitamin A, iodine, and iron.
Child malnutrition is a particular concern in India, with high rates of stunting, wasting, and underweight among children under five years of age. According to the National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5) conducted in 2019-20, the prevalence of stunting, wasting, and underweight among children under five was 34.7%, 17.3%, and 33.4%, respectively.
The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the problem of malnutrition in India, with disruptions to food supply chains and economic shocks leading to increased food insecurity and malnutrition. However, the exact impact of the pandemic on malnutrition rates in India is still being studied, and the situation is likely to be fluid and evolving.
Overall, malnutrition remains a significant challenge for India, and concerted efforts are needed to address the underlying causes and improve nutrition outcomes for the population.