The sixth National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6) has brought to light a critical child nutrition crisis in India. The survey indicates that more than four-fifths of children between the ages of 6 and 23 months are not receiving an adequate diet during the vital first 1,000 days of their lives.
The persistent high rates of stunting and wasting among children, particularly in rural regions, are a stark indicator of this ongoing problem. These figures highlight a significant disconnect between budgetary allocations and on-the-ground program execution.
Evidence from NFHS-6 suggests that the effectiveness of existing nutritional programs is being undermined by shortcomings in their implementation. This points to a need for a re-evaluation of how resources are utilized and programs are managed to ensure better outcomes for child health and development.
Source: Down To Earth