Woman and Child Development Minister Maya Singh has said that malnutrition and weakness among women and children was not a personal, but national loss. She said that a strong nation can be built by healthy society. It was necessary for this that malnutrition eradication programme was linked with Poverty Alleviation and Economic Empowerment programmes.
This was stated by Singh in her presidential address to "Nutrition and Health" session of National Seminar organised by Union Women and Child Development Ministry at Panipat in Haryana on Wednesday. Singh said that malnutrition is a major and serious problem before the country. She called for chalking out an effective strategy to eradiate this problem throughout the country.
She said that apart from multi-level efforts for this, an integrated model should be evolved. Side by side concrete measures in health and education sectors, effective works in economic and social sectors also need to be done. She said that this problem can be eradicated in real terms if women are capable, educated and empowered. At present, care and understanding for women's health is missing in families. Due to this, women did not get the care they need during pregnancy. It directly affects newborns and problem of malnutrition deepens. She stressed the need for changing mindsets of families and society.
Maya Singh said that time has come for serious contemplation on malnutrition and weakness among women and children. She said that organised efforts should be made for better coordination among families, society and government on issues pertaining to health and nutrition to overcome this situation.