How can we solve hunger and malnutrition?
Hunger is a pressing issue. India ranks at 94 out of 107 countries in the Global Hunger Index, which puts India at a serious level. 36% of children under the age of five are underweight in the country. World Vision India addresses the root causes of hunger and malnutrition and brings just solutions to this complex issue. Sponsor a child through World Vision India and save a child from hunger and malnutrition. Make a hunger donation.
Priya, a 2-year-old girl from a small village of in the state of Jharkhand was identified as malnourished by World Vision India.
At 19 months, her weight was just 6.5 kg and her MUAC measurement was only 11.5 cm, which is lesser than the ideal range. MUAC, is a Mid-upper arm circumference measurement that allows health workers to quickly determine if a child is acutely malnourished.
Priya and her parents live in a remote location and had to walk for more than four kilometres to buy groceries and vegetables. Since they were daily wage labourers they did not have enough money to buy vegetables every day.
“The money we earn daily will be fully spent in buying basic things and we won’t have anything left to purchase other things. I often borrowed vegetables and groceries from our neighbours. I used to be embarrassed to do that,” says Priya’s mother.
To eliminate malnutrition and restore Priya’s health, her parents were given 10 varieties of seasonal plant seeds to be sown in a small empty land behind their house. Training was given on preparing the land, sowing seeds, smart maintenance of plants, and ways to use organic fertilisers to grow the plants.
After a few weeks, flowers started to blossom and tiny vegetables started to grow and finally, Priya began to eat healthy and organic vegetables sourced from her garden, every day.
Priya’s family had vegetables in excess that they started giving it to their neighbours as well.
“I felt very proud when I started giving vegetables to my neighbours whenever they needed. Now I have given back more vegetables to all my neighbours from whom I had borrowed earlier,” says Priya’s mother.
In the latest screening that was taken when Priya was 27 months old, her weight had increased to 9.3 kg and her MUAC measurement to 11.9 cm.
Now Priya has gained the appropriate weight. Priya’s dad says that she is more active now, plays, and eats well.
“We were very happy to see flowers, vegetables, and fruits in our garden. Every day Priya goes to the garden to see new flowers and vegetables,” says, Priya’s mother.
Like Priya, there are thousands of children who suffer hunger and malnutrition. Lack of nutrition and the lack of awareness among parents puts children’s health at stake. Malnutrition has adverse effects on the life of a child. It can cause development delays and can lead to serious health issues. At times, malnutrition can also be fatal.
Sponsor a child through World Vision India and save a child from hunger and malnutrition. Make a hunger donation.
