Amplify the subject of adolescent girl nutrition

Source– The post is based on the article “Amplify the subject of adolescent girl nutrition” published in “The Hindu” on 12th June 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector

News- The article explains the Issues related to poor nutrition among adolescent girls

What is the importance of proper nutrition among adolescent girls?

Adolescence is a period of cognitive development. Improving access to nutrition during this period compensates the nutrient deficiencies acquired during childhood.

Adolescent health is a significant indicator of women’s labour force participation in India in the long term. Better nutrition improves every young girl’s prospect to participate in productive activities.

What are issues related to nutrition among adolescent girls?

Adolescent girls are vulnerable to undernutrition and anaemia. As per National Family Health Survey-5, 59.1% of adolescent girls were found to be anaemic. NFHS-4 numbers reported over 41.9% of school-going girls as underweight.

What are the impacts of poor nutrition among adolescent girls?

Poor nutrition can lead to cognitive impairments. This can result in lower educational attainment. It limits opportunities for employment and economic self-sufficiency later in life.

Undernourished adolescent girls are also at a higher risk of chronic diseases and pregnancy complications. It can lead to a higher health-care burden on both families and communities.

If our girls are less healthy and less educated, they are less likely to participate fully in society, politics, or community involvement.

What is the way forward to address the issue of poor nutrition among adolescent girls?

There is a need for interventions that not only focus on good nutrition but also adopt a life-cycle approach. This investment can also help break the intergenerational cycle of poverty.

Well-nourished girls will have healthy babies and provide better care for their families.

The convergence of various government initiatives such as the Scheme for Adolescent Girls (SAG) within the umbrella of the Prime Minister’s Overarching Scheme for Holistic Nutrition programme (POSHAN) 2.0 is a step in the right direction.

Targeted adolescent-oriented schemes such as the Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram could include stronger awareness and nutrition education programmes.

Targeted and regionally contextualised Social and Behaviour Change Communication efforts around adolescent girls’ nutrition can lead to the adoption of good practices.

There is a need for effective convergence and collaborations among all the relevant departments. Routine training of health workers for effective implementation and monitoring of various schemes is also a crucial step in this process.

A holistic narrative on adolescent girls’ nutrition. It should explain its linkages with mental and physical well-being, individual productivity and overall economic growth of the country. This must be packed with evidence/data.