The situation in states like Sikkim and Meghalaya is such that less than 50 percent of children do not get proper diet. The WHO Minimum Diet Score states that a child’s diet should include at least these foods. Like if a woman is breast feeding. So they should eat eggs, pulses, nuts, fruits and vegetables.
According to the research, data from the National Family and Health Survey conducted between 2019-21 has been used in this research. According to research published in the National Medical Journal of India, it has seen a decline of more than 75 percent in recent years from 87.4 percent in 2005-06 (NFHS-3). Which is a matter of concern.
An increase in egg consumption has been observed from about 5 percent in NFHS-3 to 17 percent in NFHS-5. Pulses and nuts have increased from 14 percent to 17 percent. An increase of up to 7.3 percentage points has been observed in fruits and vegetables rich in Vitamin A.
An increase of up to 4 percent has been observed in meat consumption. There has been an increase in breastfeeding from 87 percent to 85 percent and dairy products from 54 percent to 52 percent.
Children living in villages who have not yet had access to media are even more likely to not get a proper diet. Children are facing many challenges in getting counseling or health check-up in Anganwadi or Integrated Child Development Services Centres.
Children whose birth weight is low. They are at risk of lack of proper diet from the very beginning. Research has advised the government to adopt a comprehensive approach to resolve these issues.
Published at : 24 Oct 2024 07:31 AM (IST)
