Daily Current Affairs : 11-October-2023
In a significant move towards combating child malnutrition, the Union Minister for Women and Child Development has launched the Protocol for Management of Malnutrition in Children at Anganwadi centers across the nation. This initiative marks a pivotal moment in India’s healthcare system, emphasizing the urgent need to address malnutrition among children, a pervasive issue affecting millions.
Understanding the Protocol
Detailed 10-Step Guidelines
The Protocol lays out meticulous guidelines for identifying and managing malnourished children at the Anganwadi level, including:
- Growth monitoring
- Appetite testing
- Nutritional management of malnourished children
- Follow-up care for children who achieve required growth parameters after intervention.
Innovative Approach: Buddy Mother
One innovative aspect of the Protocol is the introduction of the “Buddy Mother” scheme. Originating in Assam, this initiative involves a healthy baby’s mother guiding the mother of a malnourished child at the Anganwadi center weekly, fostering a supportive community approach to tackling malnutrition.
Significance of the Protocol
Historically, the treatment of Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) was confined to facility-based approaches. However, the newly introduced national Protocol represents a groundbreaking shift, providing standardized, comprehensive steps for the identification and management of malnourished children.
Understanding Malnutrition
Malnutrition encompasses deficiencies or excesses in nutrient intake, imbalances of essential nutrients, or impaired nutrient utilization. It can manifest as:
- Stunting (low height for age)
- Wasting (low weight for height)
- Underweight (low weight for age)
- Micronutrient deficiencies (lack of vital vitamins and minerals)
- Overweight conditions like obesity and diet-related noncommunicable diseases.
Alarming Statistics: Malnutrition in India
Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2022
India’s position at 107 out of 121 countries in the Global Hunger Index underscores the gravity of the situation, especially concerning children. The GHI focuses on indicators such as stunting, wasting, and mortality among children, along with calorific deficiency across the population.
National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5)
The NFHS-5 (2019-21) reported alarming statistics: 35.5% of children below the age of five were stunted, 19.3% showed wasting, and 32.1% were underweight, highlighting the urgent need for robust interventions.
Government Initiatives: A Ray of Hope
Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0
The Integrated Nutrition Support Programme, under Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0, addresses malnutrition challenges. It focuses on children, adolescent girls, pregnant women, and lactating mothers, aiming to nurture health, wellness, and immunity through strategic nutritional content and delivery.
PM-POSHAN Scheme (Mid-Day Meal)
The PM-POSHAN scheme provides one free mid-day meal daily to children in classes I-VIII or within the age group of 6-14 years in all Government and Government-aided schools. This initiative not only addresses hunger but also promotes regular school attendance and nutrition among children.
Important Points:
- Introduction to the Protocol
- Launched by the Union Minister for Women and Child Development
- Focuses on managing malnutrition in children at Anganwadi centers
- Key Components of the Protocol
- 10-step guidelines for identification and management of malnourished children
- Includes growth monitoring, appetite testing, nutritional management, and follow-up care
- Innovative Approach: Buddy Mother
- Assam’s initiative where a healthy baby’s mother guides malnourished child’s mother weekly
- Promotes community support in addressing malnutrition
- Significance of the Protocol
- Marks a shift from facility-based to community-based malnutrition management
- First standardized national Protocol for malnourished children in India
- Understanding Malnutrition
- Encompasses deficiencies or excesses in nutrient intake, leading to various health issues
- Includes stunting, wasting, underweight, micronutrient deficiencies, and obesity-related problems
- Alarming Statistics: Malnutrition in India
- India’s ranking at 107 out of 121 countries in the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2022
- NFHS-5 (2019-21) data: 35.5% stunted, 19.3% wasting, and 32.1% underweight children under five years
- Government Initiatives: A Ray of Hope
- Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 program addresses malnutrition challenges
- PM-POSHAN scheme provides free mid-day meals to children in government schools
Why In News
The Union Minister for Women and Child Development has taken a significant step towards addressing child malnutrition by launching the Protocol for Management of Malnutrition in Children at Anganwadi centers, emphasizing the government’s commitment to ensuring the well-being of the nation’s young generation.
MCQs about India’s Fight Against Child Malnutrition
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What is the primary focus of the Protocol for Management of Malnutrition in Children at Anganwadi centers?
A) Managing adolescent girls’ health
B) Identifying and managing malnourished children
C) Providing free education to underprivileged children
D) Promoting community hygiene
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What is the role of the “Buddy Mother” initiative ?
A) Providing financial assistance to mothers
B) Guiding malnourished children’s mothers with support and advice
C) Offering medical treatments to malnourished children
D) Organizing community events for mothers
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Which statistic reflects India’s position in the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2022?
A) Ranked 50 out of 100 countries
B) Ranked 107 out of 121 countries
C) Ranked 10 out of 50 countries
D) Ranked 75 out of 90 countries
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What does the PM-POSHAN scheme primarily aim to provide?
A) Free mid-day meals to children in government schools
B) Financial support to pregnant women
C) Scholarships for higher education
D) Skill development programs for adolescents
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