Recently Union Health Minister Mr. J P Nadda, informed Lok Sabha about India’s standing on various parameters in Global Nutrition Report 2016 which is as follows:
| Parameter | India’s Rank in the World |
| Anemia among Women | 170th out of 185 countries |
| Under-five stunting prevalence | 114th out of 132 countries |
| Under-five wasting prevalence | 120th out of 132 countries |
What is Anemia?
Anemia (also spelled anaemia) is a medical condition indicated by low levels of haemoglobin/Red Blood Cells (RBCs) in blood.
- Due to this, the ability of blood to carry oxygen is reduced. Exhaustion, overall weakness in the body, short breath and depleting functional strength are common symptoms of Anemia. Patients affected with severe form of anemia may even lose consciousness.
Stunting Prevalence:
- Percentage of children in the age group of 0-5 years whose height is less in proportion to their age as per the Child Growth Standards set by World Health Organisation (WHO).
- Frequent infection and insufficient nutrient intake are believed to be the causes of
stunting. Children with stunting often face delayed physical development and problems related to mental functioning
stunting. Children with stunting often face delayed physical development and problems related to mental functioningWasting Prevalence:
Percentage of children in the age group of 0-5 years whose weight is less in proportion to their height as per the Child Growth Standards set by World Health Organisation (WHO). It is caused either by a particular disease or due to shortage of food.
- Mr. Nadda also highlighted Global Nutrition Targets to be achieved by year 2025, set by 65th World Health Assembly held in 2012 in Geneva.
| Parameter | Target for 2025 |
| Anemia among women in productive age | Achieving 50% reduction |
| Childhood Stunting | Achieving 40% reduction |
| Childhood Wasting | To reduce and then maintain below 5% |
- Anemia among women in reproductive age has serious consequences as they may giv birth to children with physical or mental complications. Stunting prevalence and wasting prevalence among children too has negative implications as children are the future of the country.
- These problems cause low productivity and hurt country’s performance on economic front.
About Global Nutrition Report:
It is a report card which tracks progress of countries and regions in achieving the Nutrition targets set by World Health Assembly. It is prepared by a group of independent subject experts. Global Nutrition Report is partnered by World Health Organisation (WHO)