Eradication of Mal-Nutrition

Malnutrition

Malnutrition refers to a condition where there is an imbalance, excess, or deficiency in a person's intake of nutrients. Malnutrition can manifest in various forms: under nutrition, micronutrient deficiency and over nutrition. Under nutrition occurs when there's a deficiency in intake of calories, protein, or essential nutrients, leading to stunting (low height for age), wasting (low weight for height), or underweight (low weight for age). Micronutrient deficiency happens when the body lacks essential vitamins and minerals like iron, iodine, and essential vitamins. Over nutrition occurs due to excessive intake of nutrients, often associated with overeating and consuming unhealthy foods high in fats, sugars, and salt. Malnutrition is a complex issue influenced by various factors including socioeconomic status, access to nutritious food, healthcare, education, and cultural practices. This can lead to health problems and negative impacts on physical and mental development.

According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) 2019-2020, 37.9% of children under five in India are stunted, 20.8% are wasted, and 35.7% are underweight. In terms of women, 22.9% of women aged 15-49 have a BMI below normal, indicating chronic energy deficiency. Bihar, being one of the poorer states in India, faces exacerbated challenges regarding malnutrition. According to NFHS-4 (2015-16), 48.3% of children under five in Bihar were stunted, 20.8% were wasted, and 42.0% were underweight. Similarly, among women in Bihar aged 15-49, 24.3% had a BMI below normal. These figures highlight the persistent problem of malnutrition in both India and Bihar, indicating the need for continued efforts and interventions to address this issue comprehensively.

Malnutrition Eradication Programme

In a significant stride towards improving the public health and well-being of Bihar state, Malnutrition Eradication Programme (MEP) for rural population has launched by the then Hon’ble Agricultural Minister of Bihar and Dr. D. R. Singh, Vice Chancellor of Bihar Agricultural University (BAU), Sabour on June 08, 2023 from Kishanganj. The Malnutrition Eradication Programme, initiated in colleges and KVKs of BAU, Sabour is a paradigm shift in public health interventions, embracing a multifaceted approach rooted in community engagement from rural villages and scientific expertise from KVKs. The comprehensive initiative aims to tackle malnutrition by addressing the root causes, conducting awareness campaigns in villages, promoting nutrition-sensitive agriculture in the form of Nutri-gardens and enhance the capacity building to make value added foods. Overall, this programme demonstrates the dedication to improving the health and well-being of vulnerable groups, especially children and women at the district level.

Vision

1. To create a district with a community, including children and women, having proper access to nutrition, leading to zero malnutrition.
2. To establish a measurable impact on malnutrition rates within the district, and continuously evaluating the progress to ensure improvements in nutritional outcomes.
3. To implement a comprehensive approach that addresses food security, healthcare, education, sanitation and livelihood opportunities.

Mission

“Eradication of Malnutrition through Nutri-garden (Poshan VatikaLagao, KuposhanBhagao)” 

Objectives

1. To educate the rural communities by providing training and awareness to address malnutrition by balanced diet intake.
2. To improve access to diverse and nutritious food options in rural areas through initiatives such as Nutri-gardens.
3. To enhance the capacity building among the rural populations to support local food production and to develop value-added products.

Activities

1. Creating awareness about the nutrition and collection of health & nutrition data through baseline survey within the district and adopted villages.
2. Provide technical and input support to establishment of Nutri-garden in their backyard or nearby field.
3. Capacity building through training and other skill development programmes for eradication of Malnutrition.
4. Social outreach through group meeting, demonstrations and other extension tools.

Table 1:List of villages adopted for Malnutrition Eradication Programme

Table 2: Different activities covered under Malnutrition eradication programme 2023-24):

Table 3: Plant Distribution under malnutrition eradication program (2023-24)

Download guidelines for Malnutrition Eradication Program