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.

Malnutrition refers to lack of access to nutritious food due to various factors. It has also been referred as 'hidden hunger'. Statistics: 1) Stunting: 35% 2) Wasting: 19% 3) Underweight: 17% 4) Anaemic: 5%/ Key determinants of malnutrition in among under-five in country 1) Poverty: hinders access to good food - is 11.28% poor in India (NITI's HDPI) 2) Efficacy of Public Distribution system

is Poor quality cereals leading to more malnutrition 3) Mid-day Meal and Anganwadi centres: responsibility to provide food to children 4) Nutritional awareness: less focus on vitamins for children by parents 5) Rice-wheat pattern of agriculture - making children protein deficient as they don't take pulses 6) Poor water quality Role in addressing this issue I Nutrition-specific 1) Intake of essential vitamins - e.g Feed fortification