Study reveals 77% children in India aged 6-23 months lacking minimum dietary diversity | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
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Study reveals 77% children in India aged 6-23 months lacking minimum dietary diversity

Posted 25 Oct 2024

2 min read

According to WHO, Minimum dietary diversity(MDD) is present when a diet contains five or more of following 8 food groups i.e. breast milk; grains; legumes; dairy products; flesh foods ; eggs; fruits & Vegetables.

  • Food intake from less than five food groups is considered minimum dietary diversity failure (MDDF).

Key finding of Study Related to MDD in India(For Year 2019-21): 

  • Regional Disparities: Central region of India, particularly Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh, has over 80% of children with MDDF.
  • Age Impact on MDDF: Children in younger age group, i.e. 6–11 months (87%) have highest prevalence of MDDF relative to higher age groups.
  • Vulnerable Sections: Children from Other Backward Classes (OBC) have highest MDDF (79%), followed by Scheduled Castes (77.2%) and Scheduled Tribes (76%).
  • Other findings: Children of illiterate, young and rural-residing mothers with no exposure to mass media were more likely to be diet deficient.

Issues in ensuring dietary diversity:

  • Nutritional Composition: Fruits, vegetables & animal products are consumed minimally.
  • Lack of Education: illiterate mothers have an MDDF of 81%, versus 75% for educated mothers.

Recommendations:

  • Targeted Outreach (Prioritize efforts aimed at pregnant women, especially those with high-risk pregnancies), 
  • Engaging communities using local governance for nutrition activities.

Initiatives taken by India to arrest malnutrition:

  • POSHAN Abhiyan: Promotes nutrition awareness through Jan Andolans targeting pregnant women, lactating mothers, and young children.
  • Rashtriya Poshan Mah: Highlights collaboration among ministries to engage communities.
  • Integrated child development services (ICDS) Scheme: Benefits children aged 0-6 years, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.
  • Tags :
  • World Health Organization (WHO)
  • POSHAN Abhiyaan
  • Minimum Dietary Diversity
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