A recent study highlights that 77% of Indian children aged 6-23 months fail to meet the World Health Organization’s (WHO) dietary diversity standards. Despite marginal improvements over the years, the lack of dietary diversity remains a critical challenge, with significant regional disparities and associated health issues.
Key Findings of the Study
- Historical Trends:
- Failure rates in minimum dietary diversity (MDD) declined from 87.4% (NFHS-3, 2005-06) to 77% (NFHS-5, 2019-21).
- Despite progress, over three-fourths of children still lack diverse diets, signaling persistent challenges.
- Regional Disparities:
- States like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh report over 80% MDD failure rates.
- Sikkim and Meghalaya exhibit rates below 50%, demonstrating the success of localized nutritional strategies.
- WHO Standards and Malnutrition:
- Poor dietary diversity contributes to 1 in 3 Indian children being underweight or stunted and 1 in 5 being wasted.
- Globally, inadequate nutrition accounts for 35% of child deaths and 11% of disease burden.
- Dietary Trends:
- Improved consumption in certain food groups, but declines in breastmilk (87% to 85%) and dairy (54% to 52%) were observed.
- Undernutrition and Anaemia:
- Higher prevalence among children in rural areas and with mothers who are illiterate or lack access to healthcare and media.
Challenges in Achieving Dietary Diversity
- Economic and Regional Disparities:
- Poverty and inequality restrict access to diverse foods, especially in central and western states.
- Limited Nutrition Education:
- Caregivers lack awareness of balanced diets, worsening malnutrition in rural areas.
- Gaps in Public Distribution System (PDS):
- Focus on staples, with limited inclusion of nutrient-rich foods like legumes, fruits, and vegetables.
- Healthcare Access Deficit:
- Insufficient nutrition counseling and weak healthcare infrastructure affect dietary practices.
- Social and Cultural Norms:
- Traditional dietary habits often exclude essential food groups, limiting diversity for children.
Government Initiatives
- Mission Poshan 2.0: Integrated initiative to address malnutrition.
- Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY): Maternity benefit scheme.
- Mid-Day Meal Scheme: Provides meals to school children to improve nutrition.
- Scheme for Adolescent Girls (SAG): Nutrition and health education.
- Mother’s Absolute Affection (MAA): Promotes breastfeeding.
- Poshan Vatikas: Encourages community-level nutrition gardens.
Way Forward
- Strengthen PDS: Include nutrient-dense foods like pulses, legumes, and fortified cereals.
- Expand Nutrition Education: Community programs to educate mothers on dietary diversity and meal planning.
- Enhance ICDS and Anganwadi Services: Monitor child nutrition, offer counseling, and provide balanced food options.
- Leverage Technology: Use social media and digital platforms for nutrition awareness campaigns.
- Promote Local Food Options: Encourage cultivation and consumption of affordable, nutrient-dense foods.
Ensuring dietary diversity in Indian children is critical for addressing malnutrition and improving health outcomes. A multi-pronged approach, combining policy reforms, education, and community engagement, is essential for achieving sustainable and inclusive nutritional development.
