COVID-19 affects the momentum of POSHAN abhiyaan

Two-thirds of the 1.04 m deaths in children under five years in India is still attributable to malnutrition

Recently, UNICEF has warned that an additional 6,000 children could die daily from preventable causes over the next six months as the COVID-19 pandemic has weakened the health systems, disrupting routine services.

In the Rashtriya Poshan Maah, to discuss Nutrition Security and National Nutrition Programs; the Immunity Conundrum: Lesson leant, and Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy: Linking ancient wisdom to modern science, ‘Healthcare Advocacy Group’ — HEAL Foundation in association with ICCIDD and name partner Coalition Food & Nutrition Security organised ‘India Immunity e-Summit 2020: Science of Balancing Food & Nutrition in Maintaining Optimal Immunity’ followed by ‘Immunity Champions of India Awards’ on September 17.

During COVID-19, the Prime Minister’s overarching scheme for Holistic Nutrition or POSHAN Abhiyaan or National Nutrition Mission, a flagship programme to improve nutritional outcomes for children, pregnant women and lactating mothers have been affected badly. This is a multi-ministerial convergence mission with a vision to address malnutrition in a targeted approach.

Arjan De Wagt, Chief of Nutrition, UNICEF, India, while addressing ‘India Immunity e-Summit 2020 said, “As far as malnutrition in India is concerned, Lancet study last year estimated that two-thirds of the 1.04 million deaths in children under five years in India is still attributable to malnutrition. And during COVID-19, it may increase by 10-20 per cent’’.