New SDG indicator on Minimum Dietary Diversity (MDD) adopted by UN Statistical Commission | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
News Today Logo

New SDG indicator on Minimum Dietary Diversity (MDD) adopted by UN Statistical Commission

Posted 11 Mar 2025

2 min read

This indicator adds to nearly 250 indicators tracked under Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) framework adopted in 2017. 

  • FAO and UNICEF jointly manage this new indicator, addressing absence of an SDG measure for healthy diets.
  • This indicator captures a crucial aspect previously lacking in tracking progress toward ending malnutrition and achieving SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and broader 2030 Agenda.

About MDD

  • According to WHO, MDD is achieved when a diet includes five or more of following eight food groups: breast milk, grains, legumes, dairy products, flesh foods, eggs, fruits, and vegetables.

Significance of MDD Indicator

  • Improved Nutritional Assessment: It specifically tracks nutritional needs of women (MDD-W) and children (MDD-C), who are most vulnerable to malnutrition.
  • Tracking Global Health Targets: Supports SDG 2, aimed at eliminating hunger and improving nutrition..
  • Policy Tool: Aids policymakers in developing strategies to combat malnutrition by addressing health risks linked to poor dietary habits.
  • Evaluating Program Impact: Helps evaluate nutrition programs.

Status of MDDF (minimum dietary diversity failure) 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: 77% children in India aged 6-23 months lacking minimum dietary diversity.
  • Vulnerable Sections: Children from Other Backward Classes have the highest MDDF (79%), followed by Scheduled Castes (77.2%) and Scheduled Tribes (76%).
The image shows the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations. Each goal is represented by a unique color and icon, along with its corresponding number and title:  No Poverty (Red) - End poverty in all its forms everywhere. Zero Hunger (Orange) - End hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. Good Health and Well-being (Green) - Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. Quality Education (Red) - Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities. Gender Equality (Pink) - Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. Clean Water and Sanitation (Light Blue) - Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. Affordable and Clean Energy (Yellow) - Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. Decent Work and Economic Growth (Maroon) - Promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (Orange) - Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation. Reduced Inequalities (Pink) - Reduce inequality within and among countries. Sustainable Cities and Communities (Orange) - Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. Responsible Consumption and Production (Yellow) - Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns. Climate Action (Green) - Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. Life Below Water (Blue) - Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources. Life on Land (Green) - Protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, forests, combat desertification, and halt biodiversity loss. Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (Dark Blue) - Promote peaceful and inclusive societies, provide access to justice for all, and build accountable institutions. Partnerships for the Goals (Dark Blue) - Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development
  • Tags :
  • SDG
  • Minimum Dietary Diversity
  • MDD Indicator
Watch News Today
Subscribe for Premium Features