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India has largest number of malnourished kids in world – Report

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As per joint study by Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) and Ernst & Young (EY), India has the largest number of malnourished children in the world.

Highlights of Joint study by ASSOCHAM and EY:

Nearly 40% of Indian children were reportedly undernourished in the year 2015.

  • Although there has been an overall reduction in the infant mortality rate and under-five mortality rate in India during 2005-2015, India is still home to 50 percent of undernourished children of the world.
  • As per the study, 37% of Indian kids, under five years of age are underweight while 39% are stunted.
  • Around 21% Indian kids have low weight for their height and 8% are acutely malnourished.
  • Prevalence of wasting was higher in rural India at 38% as compared to urban India at 29%.
  • Stunting prevalence reduced from 48 per cent in 2005-06 to 39 per cent in 2015-16, whereas wasting prevalence increased slightly from 19.8 per cent to 21 per cent during this period.
  • The study outlined that only 10% of children ageing 6-23 months are receiving nutritionally adequate diet.
  • Jharkhand has the highest number of underweight kids (less than five years of age).
  • Highest number of kids with stunting was reported from Uttar Pradesh.
  • Citing 2015 data by World Health Organisation (WHO), the report highlighted that urban India is facing a challenge of over nutrition. As per WHO data, India ranked as the third most obese nation in the world after the US and China and is also the diabetes capital of the world, with about 69.2 million diabetic patients.India has largest number of malnourished kids in world - Report

Related Terms:

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

Wasting 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.