The Ministry of Women and Child Development, in coordination with 18 ministries with inputs from the Union Health Ministry, has drafted the National Protocol, which provides detailed measures for identification and management of malnourished children.
Key points
- Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani launched the new National Community Management Program in New Delhi on 10 October 2023 to tackle the problem of malnutrition among children.
- This protocol has been implemented by the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Ministry of AYUSH.
- This protocol is a comprehensive guide to identify malnourished children in the country and provide them comprehensive care.
- This protocol defines in detail the broad criteria on identification of children suffering from severe acute malnutrition (SAM), the processes required for healthy weight gain and even the dietary requirements for different levels of malnutrition in children.
- The protocol will also provide detailed steps for identification and management of malnourished children at the Anganwadi level including decision making for referral, nutrition management and follow-up care.
- Malnutrition occurs when a person’s diet lacks vital nutrients and energy needed for proper body function.
- Malnutrition includes both undernutrition and overnutrition.
- This protocol for management of malnutrition in children will check malnutrition in children so that children can become healthy.
- The government is tackling the issues of malnutrition through the implementation of Poshan Abhiyaan.
- Identification and treatment of malnourished children is an integral aspect of Mission Poshan 2.0 and more than 17 crore activities took place during Poshan Maah.
- The protocol will help prevent malnutrition through a holistic approach.
- The problem of malnutrition in children occurs due to lack of essential nutrients in the diet, which hinders the development of the body.