Recently, the issue of dietary diversity among children in India remains critical, with alarming statistics revealing that approximately 77 per cent of children aged 6-23 months do not meet the World Health Organization’s (WHO) dietary diversity standards. The central regions of India, particularly states like Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, are reported to have the highest prevalence of inadequate dietary diversity. This ongoing challenge marks the need for targeted interventions to improve child nutrition across the nation.
About Dietary Diversity
Dietary diversity refers to the variety of food groups consumed, which is essential for providing the necessary nutrients for healthy growth and development. The WHO recommends that a diverse diet includes at least five food groups, such as breastmilk, eggs, legumes, nuts, fruits, and vegetables. The Minimum Dietary Diversity (MDD) score serves as a tool for assessing the quality of a child’s diet, indicating that a lack of diversity can lead to malnutrition and associated health issues.
Current Statistics and Trends
According to the National Family Health Survey 2019-21 (NFHS-5), there has been a slight improvement in dietary diversity, with the overall rate of minimum dietary diversity failure decreasing from 87.4 per cent in 2005-06 (NFHS-3) to above 75 per cent. Notably, the consumption of eggs has increased from 5 per cent to over 17 per cent, while legumes and nuts have risen from nearly 14 per cent to over 17 per cent during the same period. However, the consumption of breastmilk and dairy products has seen a decline, signalling an urgent need for awareness and educational initiatives.
Factors Influencing Dietary Diversity
The study indicates that certain demographics are more susceptible to inadequate dietary diversity. Children of illiterate mothers and those residing in rural areas, particularly those without access to mass media, are at a higher risk. Additionally, first-born children and those not receiving adequate health check-ups from Anganwadi or Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) are more likely to experience dietary deficiencies. Furthermore, children suffering from anaemia or low birth weight are also prone to non-diverse diets.
Strategies for Improvement
Addressing the issue of dietary diversity requires a multifaceted approach. Recommendations include enhancing the public distribution system to ensure access to diverse food groups, intensifying the ICDS programme to improve nutrition outreach, and leveraging social media for nutrition education. Community involvement through local self-governance can also play a decisive role in promoting healthy dietary habits among families.
Conclusion on the Way Forward
While there have been improvements in certain areas of child nutrition, the high prevalence of inadequate dietary diversity calls for immediate and comprehensive strategies. By focusing on education, accessibility, and community engagement, India can make strides toward ensuring that all children receive the nutrition they need for a healthy future.
Questions for UPSC:
- Discuss the significance of dietary diversity in child nutrition and its implications for health.
- Analyse the factors contributing to inadequate dietary diversity among children in India.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of the ICDS programme in addressing child nutrition issues.
- Propose strategies to improve dietary diversity among children in rural areas.
- What role can local self-governance play in enhancing child nutrition initiatives?
