While under-nutrition remains high in India, over-nutrition too is becoming an emergency. Suggest measures to tackle this double burden. (200 words)
Refer – The Hindu
Enrich the answer from other sources, if the question demands.
IAS Parliament 7 years
KEY POINTS
· Combating malnutrition in all its forms is one of the greatest global health challenges.
Double Burden of Malnutrition
· The double burden of malnutrition is characterized by the coexistence of under-nutrition along with overweight, obesity or diet-related NCDs, within individuals, households and populations, and across the life-course.
· Today, nearly one in three persons globally suffers from at least one form of malnutrition: wasting, stunting, vitamin and mineral deficiency, overweight or obesity and diet-related NCDs.
· Integration– The integration of nutrition objectives into food and agriculture policy stands vital.
· National policies and investmentshave to promote and provide healthy, sustainable diets.
· Nutrition-related education – Implementationof nutrition educationand information interventions based on national dietary guidelines and coherent policies related to food and diets.
· Incorporation of nutrition objectives into social protection programmes.
· For example, incorporate the use of cash and food transfers, including school feeding programmes and other forms of social protection for vulnerable populations.
· Universal coverage– Promote universal access to all direct nutrition actions and relevant health actions impacting nutrition through health programmes.
· Trade and investment for improved nutrition – Improve the availability and accessibility of the food supply through appropriate trade agreements and policies to meet the global food targets.
· Safe and supportive environments– Improve the commitment and policy action for addressing the social and environmental determinants of malnutrition, including in school, workplace and city contexts; as well as integrating actions on water, sanitation and hygiene; and the promotion, protection and support of optimal breastfeeding practices.
