Globally, over six million children under the age of five die each year, and around 165 million (26 per cent) of the world’s children have stunted growth jeopardising subsequent physical as well as cognitive development. India has among the highest prevalence of stunting in the world, and represents 38 per cent of the global burden of chronic under nutrition.
This was revealed here at a workshop on ‘Multi-sectorial interventions in the context of maternal and child health: all children thriving’ was organised here at the KIIT University which brought together representatives from Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
The workshop created awareness about Grand Challenges grant opportunities and also facilitated dialogue among the researchers, innovators and funders.
Grand Challenges India has now launched a third, ‘All children thriving’ which has been undertaken in partnership with the USAID.
The programme aims to ensure that all children not only survive but are also are on a trajectory to live healthy and productive lives.
“We are excited to build on our partnership with the Department of Biotechnology and continue to harness the power of Indian innovation in service of the country’s most vulnerable communities. This Grand Challenge will help ensure that all India’s children, no matter where they are born, have the opportunity to survive, thrive and fulfil their potential” said BMGF Senior Scientific Advisor lalit Kant.
Among others, Senior Advisor, Department of Biotechnology and Managing Director of BIRAC Renu Swarup, Programme Director Dr Sunita Singh and Office of Food Security, USAID Director Bahiru Duguma and Former Union Department of Biotechnology Secretary Dr MK Bhan also spoke on the occasion.