What are the key determinants of malnutrition among under-five children in the country? Also, elaborate on the role of nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions in addressing this issue.

According to NFHS-5, 35% & 18% of children are stunted & wasted respectively, showing acute malnutrition. Key determinants of malnutrition: (1) Maternal health → 57% women are anemic. (2) Immunization → leads to greater resistance to disease. (3) Access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene → reduces water born diseases like cholera, diarrhea. (4) Breast-feeding leads to better absorption & primary immunity. (5) Access to healthcare → institutional delivery, visit to PHCs. (6) Education of parents equally matter determines. (7) Availability of sufficient & nutritious diet. (8) Prevalence of fast food → largely/obity & of under.

Role of Nutrition-Specific & Nutrition-Sensitive: (1) Address acute shortage & food Eg → Poshan Abhiyaan. (2) Region and culture specific interventions → Millets in Rajasthan. (3) Use of data analytics to strengthen Eg → POSHAN tracker. (4) Civil society participation and Voluntary Eg → Midhood nutrition in states. (5) Focus on Output Outcomes and Empowerment than output. Thus need is to shift for from food security to nutrition security in line with SDG-1 Covering

— NEERAJ · AIR 180