Speaking in the technical session of the day two of the International Conference of Nutrition Sensitive Agriculture and Nutrition literacy, Arjan de Wagt, Chief of Nutrition in UNICEF India said, “We need to focus and invest in first 1000 days of child's life.”
He said, “We need to focus on stunting reduction in MP. Stunting as per Arjan de Wagt, reflects chronic under-nutrition during the most critical periods of growth and development in early life and is marker of multiple deprivations, Under developed brain, diminished mental ability and learning capacity, reduced earnings in later life, increased risk of diabetes, hypertension and obesity in later life and stunted children are denied the opportunity to grow up to be skilled productive workforce capital that India will need in the future. He said that 3.3 million children under age of five years are stunted.
He said that action lies with all of us. Government can provide policies, funding, implement programs but the change is to do with behaviour and the big four are:
1. Exclusive Breastfeeding-No drinking water is needed during first 6 months
2. Dietary Diversity - Prepare nutrient rich foods from 6 months
3. Meal Frequency - 3-4 meals and 1-2 snacks
4. Hygiene - Wash hands and utensils
He added that nutrition is too important to leave it to others, we need a Social Movement / Poshan Jan Andolan to stop child malnutrition in MP. He added that we need to implement high nutrition impact programmes across MP with: C²IQ Coverage, Continuity, Intensity and Quality.
Dr Sheela Bhambal, Senior Paediatrician and Secretary of CRO made a call to promote exclusive breastfeeding and promote infant and young child feeding practices. Purnima Menon of IFPRI shared data on impact of complimentary feeding in Bangladesh, Ethopia and Vietnam.
Michael Juma, Chief, UNICEF, MP who spoke yesterday at inaugural of this conference also praised the State for its commitment to children and had called in for increased focus to reduce stunting and promote positive practices in 1000 days of life of child. International conference is being organised by Department of Women and Child Development, Government of MP in partnership with UNICEF, IFAD, CII, GTZ and Deen Dayal Institute at Bhopal from May 14 to 16 at Bhopal.