Reports and Resources

Every 3rd child in Karnataka, India has stunted growth

A study by the Indian Council of Medical Research reports that one in three children under the age of 5 suffers from stunted growth in the state of Karnataka. The study found that 60% of children under five years are anaemic and require fortified food and nutrient supplements. 32% of children in Karnataka are underweight whereas the national average is 33%. In South India, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh have the largest prevalence of child stunting, with close to 35% children being affected. Uttar Pradesh has the highest figure (49%)and Goa the least (21%).

Food and Nutrition Security Analysis, 2019

According to the Food and Nutrition Security Analysis 2019 report, almost one in three Indian children under five years will still be stunted by 2022 going by current trends, according to an analysis of the country’s food and nutrition security released. Over the last decade, child stunting — which is a measure of chronic malnutrition — has reduced at a rate of about 1% per year, the slowest decline among emerging economies. At this rate, 31.4% of children will still be stunted by the 2022 deadline. India must double its rate of progress to reach the target of 25% by that time, says the report. The report, which is a baseline analysis of the country’s progress in achieving the second Sustainable Development Goal to end hunger, was prepared by the UN World Food Programme in collaboration with the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. Further, the report states that despite positive trends and patterns in improving food security, the prevalence of malnutrition in India remains high, with many people, especially women and children, suffering from micronutrient deficiency. In Bihar and Uttar Pradesh the stunting rate is around 48% and 46% respectively. It shows that in these states almost every 2nd child is stunted. The report recommends that child feeding practices should be improved in the country, especially at the critical ages when solid foods are introduced to the diet. Fortification, diversification and supplementation may be used as simultaneous strategies to address micro and macronutrient deficiencies.

Impact of Malnutrition on India Workforce

Here’s a report that discusses how stunting has permanent and irreversible consequences, hindering the physical and mental development of an individual. It has been associated with a high risk of diabetes, obesity and hypertension in future, an underdeveloped brain, poor performance in school and reduced earnings.

Socio-Economic Impact of malnutrition in India:

Businessworld reports that malnutrition is responsible for rising occurrence of diseases and disability, lowered brain development in children and consequently lowered potential as individuals. The effects of poor nutrition and its repercussions have become evident through various studies and have already started affecting nation’s holistic socio-economic growth and productivity silently but adversely.

How Malnutrition Continues to Haunt India

TimesNow news reports that the menace of malnutrition does not only affect a child’s health, but it also impacts their performance in school and moreover, their productivity in adult life.

Global Hunger Index 2018 Report

The Hindu reports that as per the Global Hunger Index 2018, at least one in five Indian children under the age of five are wasted, which means they have extremely low weight for their height, reflecting acute under-nutrition. In fact, 21% of children in India are underweight.

Causes of Malnutrition and their Outcomes

Here’s a good article that discusses the different causes and types of malnutrition.

Global Hunger Index 2018 Report

NIH reports on Malnutrition in India

As per a report from the National Institute of Health, US, primary school age is a dynamic period of physical growth as well as of mental development of the child. Research indicates that health problems due to miserable nutritional status in primary school-age children are among the most common causes of low school enrolment, high absenteeism, early dropout and unsatisfactory classroom performance. The present scenario of health and nutritional status of the school-age children in India is very unsatisfactory. The national family health survey (NFHS) data show that 53% of children in rural areas are underweight, and this varies across states. The percentage of underweight children in the country was 53.4 in 1992; it decreased to 45.8 in 1998 and rose again to 47 in 2006.