Uttar Pradesh, one of India’s most populous and culturally vibrant states, is still grappling with the persistent issue of child malnutrition. Despite significant economic progress, the state struggles to ensure the well-being of its youngest citizens, as evidenced by alarming rates of stunting, wasting, and underweight children. This blog delves into the critical issue of malnutrition in Uttar Pradesh, exploring its extent, causes, and the urgent need for effective interventions.
However, the state is now making notable strides in addressing this concern. While the latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS) data reveals that the U.P. remains among the top states with child stunting, there’s a positive outlook thanks to significant improvements in other key indicators. The state is now putting extra emphasis on a few districts that require additional attention to continue.
The Grim Statistics
According to data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4) and research by Dr. Surendra Kumar Gupta, the state of child malnutrition in Uttar Pradesh is alarming. The analysis covered 19 major districts, revealing that the nutritional status of children below five years is far from satisfactory.
Stunting (Height-for-Age – HAZ): Stunting indicates chronic malnutrition, and several districts in Uttar Pradesh show high percentages of stunted children. Siddharth Nagar tops the list with 57.9%, followed by Maharajganj (53.3%) and Sant Ravidas Nagar (51.4%).
Wasting (Weight-for-Height – WHZ): Wasting reflects acute malnutrition. Jaunpur has the highest percentage of wasting children at 27.3%, with Varanasi (25.3%) and Pratapgarh (23.8%) also showing concerning figures.
Underweight (Weight-for-Age – WAZ): This indicator reflects both acute and chronic malnutrition. Jaunpur again leads with 52.7% of children underweight, followed by Sant Ravidas Nagar (49.1%) and Mirzapur (46.5%).
These statistics paint a dire picture, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive nutritional policies and interventions.
Gender Disparities and Regional Variations
The NFHS report for Uttar Pradesh sheds light on gender disparities, indicating that more girls suffer from malnutrition than boys. Additionally, only 42% of women in the state receive the recommended number of antenatal care visits before conception. Districts like Unnao, Barabanki, Bhadohi, Ghazipur, and Chitrakoot record less than 30% of women receiving proper antenatal care.
Bahraich has the highest number of stunted children in Uttar Pradesh, while Banda leads in wasted and underweight children. The government’s proactive approach is reflected in a 2022 study by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, which identified these districts among the top ten in India with the highest prevalence of stunted children under the age of five.
Factors Contributing to Malnutrition
The determinants of child malnutrition in Uttar Pradesh are multifaceted, involving socioeconomic, cultural, and environmental factors. Key contributors include:
1. Inadequate Food and Nutrition: Many households in Uttar Pradesh struggle with food security, unable to provide adequate and nutritious food for their children, particularly during the critical first few years of life.
2. Poor Health and Sanitation: Access to clean water and sanitation facilities is crucial for preventing infections and diseases that can exacerbate malnutrition. The data shows significant variation in access to improved drinking water sources and sanitation across districts.
3. Maternal Literacy and Education: There is a strong correlation between maternal literacy rates and child nutrition. Districts with higher literacy rates among women tend to have better nutritional outcomes for children.
4. Economic Conditions: Poverty remains a significant barrier to improving nutrition. Households living below the poverty line are often unable to afford nutritious food, healthcare, and other essentials.
The Path Forward
While there is progress, Uttar Pradesh acknowledges that there is more work to be done, especially in specific districts that require heightened attention. As of 2020, the state had the highest number of children affected by Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) under the age of six, with rural areas facing greater challenges in accessing healthcare. Nevertheless, with continued efforts and focused interventions, Uttar Pradesh is determined to improve child nutrition and ensure a brighter future for its children.
The fight against malnutrition in Uttar Pradesh is far from over, but with persistent efforts and innovative solutions, there is hope for a healthier future for the state’s youngest residents. The state’s commitment to addressing the issue, coupled with community engagement and technological advancements, lays a promising foundation for continued progress.
Addressing malnutrition in Uttar Pradesh requires a multi-pronged approach that tackles the root causes while providing immediate relief to affected children. Key strategies include:
Improving Food Security: Ensuring equitable distribution of food and enhancing agricultural productivity can help secure adequate nutrition for all households. Programs aimed at increasing the purchasing power of impoverished families are also essential.
Enhancing Healthcare and Sanitation: Strengthening healthcare infrastructure and improving access to clean water and sanitation can significantly reduce the burden of malnutrition. Preventative healthcare measures, including vaccinations and regular health check-ups, are critical.
Promoting Maternal Education: Empowering women through education can have a profound impact on child nutrition. Educational programs should focus on nutrition, healthcare, and hygiene practices.
Implementing Targeted Nutritional Programs: Initiatives like mid-day meal schemes in schools and supplementary nutrition programs for pregnant women and young children can provide much-needed nutritional support.
Government Campaigns
Sarneet Kaur Broca, ICDS director, In his Interview with Hindustan Times, highlighted a four-month campaign titled ‘Sambhav,’ nearing completion by the end of September. The campaign aimed to identify 1.5 crore SAM (severe acute malnutrition) and MAM (moderate acute malnutrition) children across the state. So far, medicines and supplementary nutrition have reached almost 60% of these children, with a target to cover 80% to 90% by the campaign’s end. Broca emphasized that advancements in technology now allow the ICDS and the health department to share data on SAM and MAM children and their families, streamlining intervention efforts.
Addressing the issue, Keshri Nandan Tiwari, district probation officer of Banda, In his Interview with Hindustan Times highlighted a significant factor contributing to child malnutrition: the lack of a healthy gap between pregnancies. Tiwari stressed the need for awareness and education on proper family planning to ensure both mother’s and children’s health.
Raj Kapoor, Bahraich DPO, In his Interview with Hindustan Times commended the community’s increasing awareness and the effectiveness of the e-Kavach portal. Kapoor praised the efforts of Anganwadi workers, ASHA workers, and auxiliary nurses and midwives (ANMs) in identifying and addressing malnutrition cases. He expressed optimism, stating, “It has been 3-4 months since the e-Kavach portal became active, and we can already see an improved understanding of children’s health among the communities.
Progress Amidst Challenges
In the recently released NFHS 5 report for 2021, Uttar Pradesh stands as the third-highest state with child stunting, affecting 39.7% of infants. While this ranking is still a cause for concern, it’s noteworthy that the state has seen a gradual decline in the under-5 stunted population, from approximately 57% to 46%, and then down to 40% over three survey cycles. U.P. currently finds itself in the third position from the bottom in terms of child stunting rates, with only Meghalaya and Bihar reporting higher figures. This indicates a shift from its previous second-to-last position in the 2016 NFHS report. Other states like Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Gujarat, Dadra Nagar Haveli, and Assam have made commendable strides, exhibiting lower child stunting rates compared to Uttar Pradesh.
Within the state, 39.7% of children are stunted, 32.1% are underweight, and 17.3% are wasted, according to the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS). Despite these challenges, the government is actively working to improve health, nutrition, and education indicators, particularly focusing on the districts that need it the most.
Conclusion
Malnutrition remains a curse in the rising state of Uttar Pradesh, undermining the potential of its future generations. While economic development brings opportunities, it is imperative to ensure that progress is inclusive and reaches the most vulnerable populations. By addressing the root causes of malnutrition and implementing effective, targeted interventions, Uttar Pradesh can pave the way for a healthier, more prosperous future for its children.
