The Ministry for Women and Child Development recently launched Poshan 2.0, a program aimed at improving nutrition levels across the country. This initiative was inaugurated with the goal of establishing Poshan Vatikas (nutrition gardens), particularly in districts recognized as areas of aspiration. The launch coincided with the beginning of Nutrition Month (Poshan Mah) on September 1st, which focuses on severely acute malnourished (SAM) children.
Overview of Poshan 2.0
Poshan 2.0 is an umbrella scheme that encompasses the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), including Anganwadi Services, Poshan Abhiyan, Scheme For Adolescent Girls, and the National Creche Scheme. It was announced during the Union Budget 2021-22, merging supplementary nutrition programs and the Poshan Abhiyaan. The core aim of Poshan 2.0 is to enhance the delivery, outreach, and nutritional content of these initiatives, with a renewed focus on immunity, health, wellness, and preventing malnutrition.
SAM Children in Nutrition Month
Since 2018, the month of September has been observed as Poshan Maah, dedicated to improving nutritional outcomes for young children, pregnant women, lactating mothers, and adolescent girls. The activities slated for this month include growth monitoring, antenatal care, Anaemia awareness, optimal breastfeeding, promoting proper diet and girl’s education, and advocating for cleanliness and sanitation. There is also emphasis on the right age of marriage, and the importance of nutritious food.
The Importance of Poshan Vatika
Poshan Vatika efforts aim to grow vegetables and fruits organically at home, ensuring not just fresh supply of nutrient-rich food, but also the maintenance of healthy soil. Stakeholders, including anganwadis, schools, and gram panchayats, are encouraged to take up plantation drives in available spaces.
POSHAN Abhiyaan and its Targets
Launched on International Women’s Day in 2018, Poshan Abhiyaan, also known as National Nutrition Mission, has clear targets: reduce the number of cases of stunting, undernutrition, anaemia, and low birth weight among young children, women, and adolescent girls. The program aims to lower these numbers by 2-3% per annum, with an overall goal of reducing stunting in children aged 0-6 years from 38.4% to 25% by 2022.
The Impact of Malnutrition in India
A 2010 World Bank report indicated that India suffered economic losses of Rs 24,000 crore due to poor sanitation and its impact on health. Furthermore, a 2018 Assocham study revealed that GDP declined by 4% due to malnutrition. The study also found that malnourished children tend to earn 20% less than their healthy peers. The country has managed to reduce the number of SAM children from 80 lakh to 10 lakh.
Government Initiatives against Malnutrition
In addition to Poshan 2.0, the government has several initiatives aimed at combating malnutrition, including Anemia Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, the Mid-day Meal scheme, the National Food Security Act of 2013, and Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana.
Understanding Malnutrition
Malnutrition refers to imbalances in a person’s intake of energy and/or nutrients, manifesting as deficiencies, excesses, or imbalances. It can result in conditions such as wasting (low weight-for-height), stunting (low height-for-age), underweight conditions, micronutrient deficiencies or excesses, obesity, and diet-related non-communicable diseases. The United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger) sets an objective of ending all forms of hunger and malnutrition by 2030, ensuring all individuals, particularly children, have sufficient access to nutritious food throughout the year.
Last Modified: February 13, 2024