Publication:

Are ready to use therapeutic foods a solution for management of child undernutrition in India

Childhood undernutrition is a very common problem in India. India contributes to one-fifth of global underlnutrition. Thirty- eight % of Indian children have stunting and 35.7% have low weight for age. Out of these 7.4% of under-5 children suffer from severe acute malnutrition (SAM). Government of India and many other Non- governmental organisations (NGOs) are working towards eliminating malnutrition. This is being done by establishment of various nutritional rehabilitation centres and malnutrition treatment centres. However, in order to achieve the goals and lead to widespread coverage, community participation is a crucial step. Malnutrition is usually an incidental finding when any care giver seeks medical care for the child due to some illness.