“The problem of malnutrition is a matter of national shame. Despite impressive growth in our GDP, the level of under-nutrition in the country is unacceptably high”, said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh while releasing a report on Hunger and Malnutrition (HUNGaMA). With 42 per cent of children malnourished, fast-growing India is far from being in the comfort zone.
The PM said that the government could not rely solely on the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS), a programme for early childhood development of kids under the age of six, to address the grim situation. India ranks a dismal 67 as per the latest Global Hunger Index.
Source: Pune Mirror
The PM said that the government could not rely solely on the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS), a programme for early childhood development of kids under the age of six, to address the grim situation. India ranks a dismal 67 as per the latest Global Hunger Index.
Pointing out that India had not succeeded in reducing the levels of malnutrition fast enough, the PM said, “Though the ICDS continues to be our most important tool to fight malnutrition, we can no longer rely solely on it. We need to focus on districts where malnutrition levels are high and where conditions causing malnutrition prevail”. He said policy makers and program implementers need to clearly understand many linkages – between education and health, sanitation and hygiene, drinking water and nutrition – and then shape their responses accordingly.
Source: Pune Mirror