In a Press Note dated December 14, 2024, issued by the Communications Department of NPCC, critical insights into the malnutrition situation across India were shared, following a detailed response to an unstarred question raised in the Lok Sabha by MPs Shri. S Supongmeren Jamir and Shri. Raja Ram Singh. Smti. Savitri Thakur, the Hon'ble Minister of State for Women and Child Development, presented the data on December 13, 2024, shedding light on the nutritional health of children aged 0-5 years and the financial support extended under Mission Poshan 2.0 over the past three years.
The data reveals concerning statistics for Nagaland, where 28% of children under the age of five are stunted, indicating chronic malnutrition. Additionally, 6.6% of children in the same age group are underweight, reflecting a significant undernourishment issue. These figures highlight the urgent need for enhanced interventions to address child malnutrition in the state.
Under Mission Poshan 2.0, the Central Government has released a total of rupees 622.01 crore to Nagaland over the last three years. The funds are aimed at strengthening nutritional outcomes, particularly for children and women, through integrated and focused approaches. Despite this substantial allocation, the persistence of high malnutrition rates stresses the need for effective implementation and monitoring of nutrition programs in the state.
Mission Poshan 2.0 is a flagship initiative of the Government of India aimed at eradicating malnutrition and improving nutrition levels among children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. The scheme consolidates several earlier programs, including the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and Poshan Abhiyaan, to ensure a streamlined and targeted approach to tackling malnutrition.
The statistics from Nagaland call for a concerted effort by both the state and central governments to address the root causes of malnutrition. Strengthening awareness campaigns, improving the delivery of nutrition-related services, and ensuring the effective use of funds under Mission Poshan 2.0 are critical steps in achieving better outcomes.
Experts emphasize the importance of community participation, improved healthcare infrastructure, and the integration of traditional knowledge with modern practices to combat malnutrition effectively. Additionally, regular assessments and transparent reporting mechanisms are crucial to evaluate the impact of interventions and course-correct where necessary.
The data presented in the Lok Sabha serves as a wake-up call for stakeholders to redouble their efforts to ensure the health and well-being of children in Nagaland and across the nation.(pr)