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By this author: Measham, Anthony R. ;&nbsp; Chatterjee, Meera

Authors: Measham, Anthony R.; Chatterjee, Meera

Source: Wasting away, May 1999 , pp. 1-78(78)

Publisher: World Bank

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Abstract:

This report is part of the collaborative efforts of the Government of India and the World Bank in nutrition, which began in 1980. It reviews the effectiveness, efficiency, and impact of public spending on nutrition in India, as well as suggesting means for improvement. Despite the progress in food production, disease control, and economic and social development since independence, India accounts for forty percent of child malnutrition in the world. The report analyzes the three main causes for malnutrition: inadequate food intakes, disease, and pernicious caring practices. Steps and improvements concerning malnutrition have been taken seriously by the Government, through target food supplementation , micro-nutrient programs, and food subsidy programs. Nevertheless, the report suggests these policies and programs have limited impact on nutrition among the poor, due to ineffective targeting, implementation, and coverage. To conclude, it is suggested that a higher level of sustained political commitment is required for India to succeed on the subject of malnutrition. This will definitely require structural actions at the national, state, and local levels in sectors such as agriculture, industry, water, and sanitation, in addition to the programs already mentioned.

Keywords: South Asia; Malnutrition; Nutritional analysis; Nutrition programs; Food intake; Diseases; Institutional capacity; Child rearing; Disease control; Health care; Nutrient improvement; Water related diseases; Disease prevention; Health education; Food security; Sanitation; Targeted assistance; Poverty; Child nutrition; Targeted subsidies; Micronutrients; Food subsidy programs