Hindu Editorial Analysis : 7-March-2024

Uttar Pradesh serves as an important example of how empowering women can help fight malnutrition. By supporting community-based micro enterprises led by self-help groups, significant progress can be made in improving nutritional outcomes.

Understanding Malnutrition

Malnutrition is a serious issue that includes both deficiencies and excesses in nutrient intake. It can be categorized into two main types:

  • Undernutrition: This includes insufficient intake of essential nutrients.
  • Overnutrition: This involves excessive intake, leading to overweight and obesity, along with diet-related health issues.

Factors Contributing to Malnutrition Among Women

Several factors contribute to the ongoing problem of malnutrition, particularly among women:

  • Economic Challenges: Many women face poor economic conditions and limited access to food.
  • Cultural Norms: Gender norms often result in women consuming less nutritious food. In many households, women eat last and receive the least amount of food.
  • Education and Early Marriage: Lack of education and early marriages further compromise women’s health.
  • Unpaid Work: The COVID-19 pandemic increased the burden of unpaid work for women, including childcare and household chores, often at the expense of their self-care.

Impacts of Malnutrition

The effects of malnutrition are far-reaching and can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and poor health:

  • Productivity Loss: Malnutrition can reduce women’s productivity, impacting economic growth.
  • Intergenerational Effects: Poor nutrition during crucial periods can weaken immunity and affect cognitive development. This can lead to complications during pregnancy and childbirth, threatening both maternal and child health.
  • Children’s Futures: Undernourished children may struggle academically and have limited job opportunities, which continues the cycle of disadvantage.

Government Initiatives

Recognizing the importance of addressing malnutrition, the Indian government has implemented various programs, such as:

  • Anganwadi Services: Focused on nutrition and early childhood education.
  • Scheme for Adolescent Girls: Aimed at improving health and nutrition for young women.
  • Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY): Provides financial support to pregnant women.

Additionally, the POSHAN Abhiyaan launched in 2018 aims to enhance the nutritional status of adolescent girls, pregnant women, and lactating mothers through targeted interventions.

Why In News

Uttar Pradesh is a remarkable example of the importance of women’s empowerment in tackling malnutrition, as it demonstrates how supporting community-based micro enterprises led by self-help groups can transform lives, enhance food security, and foster economic independence among women.

MCQs about Importance of Women’s Empowerment in Tackling Malnutrition in Uttar Pradesh

  1. What are the two main types of malnutrition ?
    A. Under-nutrition and over-nutrition
    B. Protein deficiency and vitamin deficiency
    C. Childhood malnutrition and adult malnutrition
    D. Short-term malnutrition and long-term malnutrition
    Correct Answer: A. Under-nutrition and over-nutrition
    Explanation: The essay categorizes malnutrition into undernutrition, which involves insufficient nutrient intake, and overnutrition, which involves excessive intake leading to obesity and diet-related diseases.
  2. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a factor contributing to malnutrition among women?
    A. Economic challenges
    B. Gender norms
    C. Access to technology
    D. Lack of education
    Correct Answer: C. Access to technology
    Explanation: Economic challenges, gender norms, and lack of education as factors contributing to women’s malnutrition, but it does not mention access to technology.
  3. What impact does malnutrition have on children ?
    A. Improved cognitive development
    B. Enhanced job prospects
    C. Under-performance in studies
    D. Increased financial independence
    Correct Answer: C. Under-performance in studies
    Explanation: The undernourished children are at risk of under-performing academically, which can limit their job prospects in the future.
  4. What initiative was launched by the Indian government in 2018 to improve nutritional status?
    A. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act
    B. Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
    C. POSHAN Abhiyaan
    D. Digital India Campaign
    Correct Answer: C. POSHAN Abhiyaan
    Explanation: The POSHAN Abhiyaan was launched in 2018 with the aim of improving the nutritional status of adolescent girls, pregnant women, and lactating mothers through targeted interventions.

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