Question Q.17GS2GS2

What are the key determinants of malnutrition among under-five children in the country? Also, elaborate on the role of nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions in addressing this issue.

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Answer

Main Body

As per NFHS-5, stunting in Under-five (US) children is 35% in the country. Under-nutrition.

Triple evil of nutritionMalnutrition, Micronutrient deficiency (hidden Hunger), Obesity.

Key Determinants of Malnutrition (US kids)

1Poor nutrition absorption capacity due to hunger → <1300 kcal.

2Accessibility of nutritious food: secure supply chain. [E] Mid Day meal.

3Affordability of nutrition: high price of food. [E] PMGKAY.

4Unhealthy Food - sugar and calorie rich, containing Trans-fats - food swamps. [E] Weight gain and obesity.

5Quality of food: fresh fruits, cereals, [E] protein, fat and carbohydrates.

6Maternal Health → poor maternal health translates into poor health of children. [E] PM Surakshit Matritva Abhiyaan.

7Access to MILK, cereals, oil, etc necessary for development of nutrients.

Role of Nutrition-specific interventions:

1Food Fortification → using biotech. [E] Golden Rice - Beta Carotene.

2Transfer of nutrient rich food → [E] Fortified Kernel Rice - Iron, Jolie acids.

3Protein rich food in Mid day meal. [E] Eggs in Mid Day Meal of Tamil Nadu, Cereals and Pulses in Rajasthan.

4Use of locational nutrition: [E] Millet and Ragi based meals at Anganwadi (LMP).

Role of Nutrition-sensitive interventions:

1Increasing health outcomes → to increase absorption capacity of children.

2Increase in educational → Aanganwadi to teach mothers about requirement.

3Awareness generation cap campaigns. [E] Eat Right campaign.

4Ensuring food quality. [E] FSSAI.

Right to Food is a fundamental right under [Article 21] and necessary for achievement of [SDG-2] 'Zero hunger'.

250 words19 paragraphs

Conclusion

Right to Food is a fundamental right under Article 21 and necessary for achievement of SDG-2 'Zero hunger'.

18 words

Diagram

Triple evil of nutrition diagram showing Malnutrition, Micronutrient deficiency (hidden Hunger), and Obesity

Examiner score

1.4/10

Open original scan

Page 41

Topper

GAURAV CHOPRA

AIR 832025

Subject & Paper

GS2GS2

Topic

Social Sector Services - Health, Education, Human Resources

Health

Malnutrition among Under-five Children

Writing Stats

268

Total words

Paragraphs

analytical

Tone