TACKLING MALNUTRITION

Malnutrition refers to deficiencies, excesses or imbalances in a person’s intake of nutrients. According to WHO, malnutrition affects people in every country and more than 462 million are underweight. An estimated 159 million children have stunted growth and nearly 50 million are wasted.

In accordance with United Nation’s resolution proclaiming the UN Decade of Action on Nutrition from 2016 to 2025, ISHWAR has risen to the occasion to tackle malnutrition in affected children of the area. We conduct BMI (Body Mass Index) measurements on children to identify the undernourished children. A special formulation has been prepared, consisting of jaggery along with roasted groundnut, millet and chick pea, which is considered as an effective nourishment supplement. Distributed as small rounded toffees, this supplement is very tasty and children love to eat it as a snack, thereby contributing to intake of essential proteins, fat, iron, vitamins, minerals, iron and anti-oxidants amongst others. As part of a project, this formulation was also forwarded to the Bill and Milinda Gates Foundation for a wider spread amongst affected populations.