NEW DELHI: The government’s Annual Health Survey (AHS) report released on Monday reinforced the need for a strong focus on improving the status of nutrition among children.
The clinical, anthropometric and bio-chemical (CAB) component under AHS, highlights the prevalence of undernourishment among children under five years of age. Out of nine states — Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand — which were surveyed, Chhattisgarh reports the highest level of undernourishment (33.5%).
Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Odisha have low levels of severe undernourishment at 6.7%, 7% and 8.8% respectively. However, in Uttarakhand, the low levels of undernourishment are accompanied by higher levels of over nourishment, with 5.9% of the children found to be over nourished. Under-nutrition means deficiency of calories or several vital nutrients essential for growth and survival.
Stunting, wasting and low weight are some of the most common conditions found in Indian children that affects their overall growth and in severe cases leads to infant deaths. India’s Infant Mortality Rate is a dismal 39 children per 1,000 live births.
Over nourishment on the other hand is also a form of malnutrition, marked by an excessive intake of nutrients.