Women

By prioritising maternal nutrition, the rate of ‘zero food’ children who are starving due to malnutrition could be cut in half. Here’s how:

1. The Effect of Nutrition on Mother’s Health in Children:
   A healthy child depends on a mother’s well-being. Undernourished mothers are more likely to give birth to underweight or preterm children, which puts them at risk for poor nutrition and other health issues. It’s essential to get adequate nourishment both before and throughout pregnancy. It makes it possible to produce large amounts of high-quality milk, which is necessary for the growth and development of the baby’s immune system. Thus, eating a diet high in nutrients is crucial for lactating mothers.

1. Ending the Malnutrition Cycle: A mother can sometimes unknowingly start a cycle of malnutrition and ill health that can continue for many generations, especially in a country like India. Ensuring mothers get enough nutrition breaks this cycle of malnutrition and poor health and results in healthier offspring. Moreover, Educating the mothers about childcare, nutrition, and their and their children’s health allows them to make decisions that are best for them.

3 Economic and Social Benefits: Stronger maternal nutrition results in healthier children, which, in turn, eases the healthcare system and also lowers the price of treating the problems like malnutrition and many other health related disorders in children. Children having good health also have higher attendance rates in schools and, therefore, they are able to achieve better academically than the ones who are not healthy, which results in a more productive workforce and is beneficial to the nation as a whole.

1. Taking necessary steps: The government has implemented many initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) and the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) that offer nutritional support to pregnant and nursing mothers and their children. Implementing them rightfully can really help in improving the problem of malnutrition and poor health of mothers and children in the country.

In order to fully eradicate the issue of malnutrition among women and children, communities and societies are encouraged to support maternal health and nutrition through awareness campaigns and neighbourhood support groups. Even social media has proved to be very helpful in creating and spreading awareness regarding the serious issue of malnutrition and healthcare for mothers and their children.
Ensuring maternal healthcare services, including routine check-ups, dietary assistance, and supplementation programs, are available, reasonably priced, and of the highest calibre.