World Health Day is observed on April 7th every year to commemorate the founding of the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 1948. Since nutrition is a fundamental right of every individual, this day serves as a reminder to ensure that everyone has access to good health and well-being, regardless of age, gender or socioeconomic status.
The theme for World Health Day 2023 is "Health for All" to emphasise the need for equal access to nutrition and healthcare services for everyone. (Every year, the WHO declares a theme to draw attention to specific health issues that need urgent action.) This year’s theme is a good opportunity to initiate a discussion on child nourishment and the challenges in helping children access quality nutrition today.
The challenge
UNICEF data shows that about half of all deaths in children under five are due to undernutrition. Undernutrition puts children at a higher risk of dying from common infections. These infections affect them more frequently and severely and they take longer to recover.
The data suggests that although stunting has declined since 2000, wasting and obesity persist. We will require a reversal in trajectory and faster progress to achieve the 2030 target of ending all forms of malnutrition.
The progress
A well-nourished child has better physical and cognitive abilities, a stronger immune system and a reduced risk of illnesses. Malnutrition in the early years of a child’s life can have long-term effects on their physical and cognitive development, making it difficult for them to thrive later in life. Unfortunately, it remains a significant problem in many parts of the world, particularly developing countries.
In India, governments, NGOs and compassionate donors are working relentlessly to address child malnutrition, especially for those from challenging socioeconomic backgrounds. They are also collaborating to execute initiatives at the grassroots level.
One such collaboration exists between a non-profit organisation called The Akshaya Patra Foundation, the various governments in the country and the public. Together, they are striving to eliminate hunger and malnutrition among children in India. With the belief that education and nutrition go hand in hand, the NGO leverages the support to provide nutritious school meals to children who may otherwise go without any food at all.
This alliance has resulted in the effective implementation of the Central Government’s Mid-Day Meal or MDM Scheme (now known as the PM Poshan Abhiyaan). For 22 years, the NGO has been serving freshly cooked, nutritious mid-day meals from its centralised and decentralised kitchens across India.
These kitchens follow strict quality and hygiene standards and conduct regular training to increase efficiency. Today, with consistent efforts and support from donors worldwide, the NGO nourishes over 2 million children across 22,367 schools in 15 states and 2 union territories of India.
The MDM programme has not only improved the nutritional status of children, but has also contributed to their overall health and social well-being. It has also been instrumental in increasing school attendance and reducing dropout rates.
Akshaya Patra's work is especially noteworthy in the context of World Health Day. Its efforts have been recognised globally for providing nutritious mid-day meals to children every school day, addressing malnutrition and promoting healthier lifestyles. The MDM programme is a good example of how public and private collaboration can result in the successful execution of initiatives that aim to improve the status of underprivileged communities.
Donate to feed a child. Help build a strong foundation for the future.
World Health Day is an important reminder of the need for global health equity and access to healthcare for all. It is also a day to reiterate our commitment to child nutrition as a top priority, considering that it will help build a strong foundation for the future. On this day, let us take a moment to recognise the vital role of the NGOs in promoting child nourishment and overall health. By providing nutritious meals to children and educating them about the importance of health and hygiene, these organisations help to build a safer and healthier future for children.
You can all play a part in upholding a child’s right to nutrition by volunteering your time and expertise, spreading awareness about child malnutrition and donating to NGOs like Akshaya Patra.
Akshaya Patra is registered under the Income Tax Act of 1961. So, you can donate and save tax while supporting a noble cause. When you donate to feed a child with Akshaya Patra, you get a tax exemption certificate as proof and become eligible to avail 50% tax exemption on every donation you make.
Access to nutritious food is a basic human right. Let’s contribute and ensure that it is upheld.
When young children receive quality nourishment, the future will be in good hands.
Donate and save tax today.