Malnutrition in India

Running head: MALNUTRITION IN INDIA
MALNUTRITION IN INDIA
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1MALNUTRITION IN INDIA
Introduction
Importance of the Issue
At present, as estimated by the United Nations Children’s Fund, the prevalence of
malnutrition in India is alarmingly high with the nation raking 10th and 17th across the global list
of countries possessing the highest number of underweight and stunted children (Rao, 2017).
Such high rates of malnutrition, especially under-nutrition are directly associated with lack of
adequate food security in India (Upadhyaya, Rana & Bisla, 2018).
According to Meenakshi (2016), India continues to be one of the highest contributors of
under-nutrition worldwide, with the presence of a triple burden of malnutrition existing in terms
of diet quality, diet quantity and harmful infectious and metabolic diseases resulting in a rapid
aggravation of prevalence rates. The emerging issue of climate change further contributes to the
severity of this national menace. Hence, the growing social disadvantages, resultant fatal
consequences and the aggravating issue of climate change in contributing to the increasing rates
of malnutrition and food insecurity in India are the reasons why this issue must be addressed
with immediate importance (Chakrabarty, 2016).
Discussion
Cause and Consequences
One of the key causes of malnutrition and food insecurity in India is the presence of
socioeconomic disparities between rural and urban regions. It has been estimated that the
prevalence of malnutrition in India is lower in urban areas (29%) as compared to rural areas
(29%) (Rao, 2017). Reasons for this include poor intake and decreased affordability and