Tag: Malnutrition india

Launched on March 1, 2021, the Poshan Tracker is a mobile-based application rolled out by the Indian government to combat malnutrition. This digital tool is important for real-time tracking of nutrition services and beneficiaries, replacing cumbersome manual systems for Anganwadi workers.

Launched in 2018, Poshan Abhiyaan, or the National Nutrition Mission, is India's flagship program tackling malnutrition among children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. The composition of Poshan is a multi-pronged strategy focused on technology, convergence, and community empowerment to ensure holistic nourishment.

According to the National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5, 2019-21), India saw a modest decline in child stunting and underweight rates, but child wasting increased and remains a significant concern. This reveals a complex and evolving malnutrition trend that presents a dual public health challenge.

According to the 2024 Global Hunger Index (GHI), India was ranked 105th out of 127 countries, placing it in the 'serious' category of hunger. This critical ranking underscores the persistent and complex challenge of understanding how malnourished is India, a nation still grappling with widespread nutritional deficiencies despite significant economic progress.

Despite producing a surplus of food grains, a UN report from 2025 indicated that over 60% of India's population still cannot afford a healthy diet. The question, "Do people in India have enough food?", therefore requires a nuanced look beyond mere production figures to understand the challenges of access and nutrition.

Despite significant efforts to combat malnutrition, UNICEF reports that in Pakistan alone, 4 out of 10 children under five are stunted, highlighting the persistent regional struggle with nutritional deficits. This global context provides important insight into the critical challenges facing Poshan Maah, the month-long Indian nutrition awareness campaign, and the broader Poshan Abhiyaan initiative.

Launched in 2018, the Poshan Maah is an annual month-long campaign celebrated every September as part of India's larger POSHAN Abhiyaan, or National Nutrition Mission. It mobilizes community participation and strengthens efforts to improve nutritional outcomes for children, women, and adolescents across the country.

Recent surveys reveal that over 70% of Indians may be deficient in protein, with the average intake falling short of the recommended daily allowance set by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). This nutritional shortfall has profound consequences for public health and national development.

Despite significant economic growth, India grapples with the complex 'double burden' of malnutrition, where under-nutrition coexists with rapidly rising rates of overweight and obesity. This article explores the multifaceted nutrition status of India, examining recent statistics and interventions based on the latest data.

According to the Global Hunger Index 2023, India ranks 111th out of 125 countries, indicating a 'serious' level of hunger and malnutrition. The latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) provides the most comprehensive data on the nutritional landscape, revealing some improvements alongside persistent and even worsening indicators in certain areas.