The Gap In Nutritional Status Of India

Undernutrition and stunting persist as roadblocks for the country. India is the home to almost one-third of all the world’s stunted children and half the world’s wasted children.
As per the NFHS-5, wealth quintile analysis gives us a further grim picture – half of all children from families in the lowest income quintile are still stunted or underweight. While India has made sustained rapid progress economically, the nutritional status of the country remains at odds.

Major causes of malnutrition in India

1. High levels of adult undernutrition affect one-third of the country’s adults.
2. High levels of child undernutrition, affect almost every second child.
3. High levels of maternal undernutrition, lead to low birth-weight.
4. Inappropriate and sub-optimal infant and young child feeding and caring practices.
5. Issues relating to the prevention of illnesses and access to healthcare.
6. Low awareness regarding nutrition and the use of local nutritious food including sources of nutrients.
7. Inadequate attention to the health and nutrition of adolescent girls.
8. Inadequate access to safe drinking water and proper sanitation facilities.