In a significant step toward promoting better food habits among students, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) recently mandated a nationwide sugar awareness campaign across its affiliated schools, urging them to educate the students about the dangers of added sugars. This move marks a critical shift in how India’s education system is tackling rising concerns about childhood obesity, type 2 diabetes, and poor oral health.

The campaign will include awareness drives, workshops on food literacy, and lessons on how to read nutrition labels, with the central idea aimed at helping students make informed food choices. But while the move has been widely welcomed, a question emerges at the bay – how to ensure that this passes beyond the school gates, and is practiced at home, especially when sugar still carries cultural sentiments with care, energy, and nourishment?

The Glucose Biscuit Paradox

For decades, glucose biscuits have enjoyed a reputation for being a healthy snack, but a typical 50g pack can contain more than six teaspoons of sugar, along with refined flour and oils. While these ingredients do offer quick energy, they do not offer much nutrition. And yet, these biscuits are commonly included in children’s lunchboxes, Anganwadi meals, and even distributed in health camps. Many parents and caregivers genuinely believe that they’re making a healthier choice. This highlights that the real issue persisting today is a lack of awareness, which this campaign can bridge.

India’s Twin Nutrition Challenge

India faces a unique nutrition challenge. About a third of the children under five are stunted due to malnutrition. At the same time, the country is seeing a rise in obesity and diabetes, even among the younger population.

A 2023 study published in The Lancet revealed that India has over 100 million people living with diabetes, including a growing number under the age of 25. Poor diet, including high sugar intake, is a major contributing factor.

Considering this situation, affordable and filling foods like glucose biscuits become default options in many homes, especially in homes dealing with food insecurity. However, the problem lies in the fact that although these foods are filling, they do little to support the healthy growth of children.

Why The CBSE Move Matters

The CBSE’s sugar awareness campaign is a key development because it moves beyond vague health messages like “eat healthy” and targets a specific risk factor. It points out that food literacy should be given a central place in a child’s education, just like math and science.

By teaching students how to identify added sugars and understand the long-term effects of consuming them in excess, CBSE is now equipping students with important skills. But this education will not be enough if the lessons do not go beyond the walls of the classroom, and students do not implement them at home.

What Needs to Happen

To make this effort a true success, a more coordinated approach is required. An approach including schools, families, communities, and even food manufacturers. Here are some actionable steps to do so:

1.   Community Nutrition Campaigns: Government and local health workers should run targeted public awareness campaigns through television, radio, and WhatsApp centered around the risk of added sugars and nutrition basics in local languages.

2.   Simplified Food Labelling: Implementing front-of-pack labels with warnings like “High in Sugar” has helped countries like Chile and Mexico reduce consumption of unhealthy foods. India needs to adopt similar steps so families can make better and more informed choices.

3.   Support Healthier Choices: Government subsidies and support for millet, pulses, and other nutrient-dense foods can help make healthier choices more accessible, especially for BPL and low-income families.

4.   Responsible Food Marketing: Brands with food products targeting children should be honest about the sugar content and other ingredients. Their claims should be accurate and transparent. Furthermore, strict regulation must be applied to limit the marketing of food containing sugar quantities above the acceptable level for children.

The Way Forward

The CBSE’s sugar awareness initiative is a much-needed course of action. It is the necessity of the hour for the younger population to realize what the food they are eating consists of and how this is going to impact their health.

The classroom has taken the first step. It’s time for homes and communities to walk alongside on the way forward.

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Motherhood doesn’t follow a script—it shifts, stretches, and surprises you, and your body? It tags along for the ride. From sleepless nights with a newborn to juggling work, home, and eventually enjoying the calm of older age, a mother’s nutrition plays a starring role. It’s more than just eating right—it’s about staying strong, bouncing back, and keeping the spark alive. When moms feel nourished, everything around them flows a bit smoother—whether it’s caring for kids, managing stress, or simply showing up with energy every day.

But let’s be honest—mothers are often the last on their list. Meals get skipped, self-care waits, and exhaustion becomes a default mode. Yet, a mother’s health quietly shapes the health of her entire household. Whether she’s healing post-delivery, multitasking with work calls and dinner preps, or embracing the changes of menopause, what she eats matters. And no, nutrition doesn’t have to mean boring food or complex rules. By combining the comforting flavors of Indian kitchens with today’s nutrition science, we can create a vibrant, delicious roadmap for every mom, whether she’s a corporate go-getter or running the home like a boss.

How Nutrition Changes as Mothers Grow

Early Motherhood – Healing, Feeding, and Finding Rhythm Again
 Post-delivery is rough—emotionally, physically, and mentally. Your body’s rebuilding itself while fueling a tiny human if you’re breastfeeding. That means you need more than just energy; you need smart energy.

Must-haves:

• Protein: Think dal, eggs, paneer, or beans. They help tissues heal and support the milk supply. Try squeezing in five to seven servings daily.
• Calcium: Your bones need love, too. Ragi, milk, and leafy greens are your best friends—aim for 1,000 mg a day.
• Iron: After childbirth, iron stores dip. Fix that with seeds, meat, greens, or tofu.
• Water: Seriously, don’t underestimate this. Two liters a day, minimum. Keep that bottle handy.
• Skip or limit: Too much caffeine, alcohol, or fish high in mercury—they can mess with your body and your baby’s.

 Life hacks for new moms:

• Breakfast = protein first. Maybe eggs and veggies or yogurt with nuts and fruit.
• Cook in batches when you can. Saves time, saves sanity.
• Keep healthy bites on standby—nuts, fruits, boiled eggs.
• Try moving your body gently—walks, stretches, light yoga. It helps more than you think.

Midlife Motherhood – When You’re Holding It All Together
 Midlife hits different. You’re probably balancing work, parenting, and maybe even your parents. Hormones are shifting, energy dips show up uninvited, and self-care? It’s often pushed aside. But your food choices now? They’re a game-changer.

 What to focus on:

• Colorful plates: Half veggies, one-fourth lean proteins, and the rest whole grains. Easy.
• Calcium + D: With bones getting weaker, now’s the time to double down.
• Fibre + Iron: Keep digestion smooth and anemia away. Lentils, spinach, millets—your gut will thank you.
• Cut back: Ultra-processed snacks, sugar overload, white bread, etc

Tips to make it work:

• Take a homemade lunch—it beats greasy takeout any day.
• Set aside Sunday for meal prep—it saves your week.
• High-fibre snacks like roasted chana or a fruit-nut combo = stable energy.
• Stick to the Indian thali formula. Balanced, filling, nostalgic.
• Try calming rituals—breathing exercises, journaling, or even music. Stress doesn’t stand a chance.

Senior Years – Staying Strong, Sharp, and Joyful
 As the kids grow and life slows a bit, mothers step into their golden years. But aging doesn’t mean fading—it’s about thriving, with the right nutrition leading the way.

What the body loves now:

• Protein: Keeps muscles intact and strengthens up.
• Calcium + D: Prevents brittle bones and unexpected falls.
• Antioxidants: Fruits, seeds, veggies—they’re like armor for your immune system.
• Water: Thirst cues fade with age, so drink even when you’re not feeling it.
• Balanced meals: Stick to familiar combos like dal-rice or khichdi—comforting and complete.

 Smart eating habits for senior moms:

• Focus on fibre and easy-to-digest proteins.
• Stick to wholesome Indian staples—they’re timeless for a reason.
• Move daily—walks, gentle yoga, stretching. Keep the joints happy.

Modern Science Meets Grandma’s Kitchen

Indian food wisdom isn’t outdated—it’s just underappreciated. The humble thali packs nutrients, flavors, and variety onto one plate. When done right, it naturally ticks all the boxes modern nutritionists talk about.

Why it works:

• Balanced macros + micros, all in one meal.
• Local, seasonal ingredients make it fresher and cheaper.
• Pulses + grains = complete proteins (thanks, khichdi!).
• Fermented foods like curd and idlis support gut health.
• Traditional cooking? Keeps nutrients intact and sugar spikes low

Blending the old with the new isn’t just smart—it’s sustainable and satisfying.

Easy, Everyday Ways to Stay Nourished

• Plan your week—prep dough, chop veggies, store soaked beans.
• Hydrate with flair—water infused with mint, lemon, or jeera.
• Snack smarter—nuts, makhana, fruit with a dollop of curd.
• Add superfoods—spinach, pumpkin, berries, and seeds.
• Don’t make up for a missed meal with a midnight binge.
• Move every day—even a dance in your kitchen counts.
• Breathe, pause, smile—stress doesn’t belong at the table.

Let This Be Your Moment to Nourish You
 Being a mom doesn’t mean your needs come last. If anything, your well-being keeps the family wheel turning. So whether you’re chasing toddlers, tackling deadlines, or reminiscing with grandkids, eat well, move often, and stay kind to yourself.

This Mother’s Day, choose to nourish yourself fully, joyfully, and without guilt.

The post Fueling Motherhood: Nutritional Guidelines for Every Phase of a Woman’s Journey appeared first on NRI News.

According to a study published in The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology, 136 million people in India, or 15.3% of the population, may be living with pre diabetes. This is a significant increase from 2017 when 6–15% of the population was estimated to have prediabetes. [1]With a rising tide of pre-diabetic cases in India, it’s crucial to take proactive steps to manage your health. Clean, mindful eating is key to maintaining blood sugar levels and can even reverse pre-diabetes. Dr. Rohini Patil, MBBS and nutritionist, emphasizes the importance of incorporating specific foods into your diet to control blood sugar before it escalates into diabetes. Alongside dietary changes, she advises an active lifestyle, avoiding ultra-processed foods, and engaging in regular physical activities like post-meal walks to curb blood sugar spikes.

Foods to Include in a Pre-Diabetic Diet

• Almonds Almonds are protein-dense, contain healthy fats, and are rich in fiber, all of which help regulate blood sugar. Two new research studies published last year authored by Dr. Anoop Misra and Dr Seema Gulati showed that a simple addition of almonds to the diet may help reduce the burden of diabetes. More specifically, a handful of almonds eaten 30 minutes before breakfast, lunch, and dinner for three months reversed prediabetes to normal blood sugar levels in nearly one-quarter of the people studied – improvements as potent as taking prescription diabetes medication. Diabetes researchers described this reversal from prediabetes to normal blood glucose regulation as “the holy grail of medicine.” Therefore, Dr. Patil recommends a handful of almonds daily, whether as a snack or in salads and yogurt, to stabilize blood sugar and curb overeating.
• Green Leafy Vegetables Leafy greens like spinach, fenugreek, and amaranth are low in carbs and high in fiber, making them a good addition for managing blood sugar levels. These vegetables are rich in vitamins and antioxidants that support overall health. Their low glycemic index (GI) makes them crucial for pre-diabetes management.
• Greek Yogurt Greek yogurt is a good source of protein and probiotics, which benefit gut health. The protein content slows carbohydrate digestion, leading to a gradual release of sugar into the bloodstream. Dr. Patil advises choosing unsweetened Greek yogurt and pairing it with nuts or fruits for a blood sugar-friendly snack.
• Lean Protein Lean proteins like fish, chicken, eggs, and legumes are vital for blood sugar management. Fish, especially fatty types like salmon, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which improve insulin sensitivity. For vegetarians, paneer and tofu offer similar benefits. Including these proteins in meals can help prevent blood sugar spikes.
• Whole Grains Whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa, and barley are high in fiber, which slows sugar absorption. Their lower GI makes them ideal for managing blood sugar. Dr. Patil suggests starting your day with oatmeal or incorporating brown rice into meals for sustained energy and better blood sugar control.

If you’re pre-diabetic and not on medication, Dr. Patil stresses the importance of clean eating habits and incorporating these foods into your daily routine. Staying physically active is equally important. She recommends at least 30 minutes of physical activity, five days a week, such as walking, yoga, or moderate exercises, to manage blood sugar and prevent the progression to type 2 diabetes.

By making these dietary changes and staying active, you can take control of your blood sugar levels and maintain overall health. Dr. Patil’s balanced nutrition and sustainable practices offer an effective approach to managing pre-diabetes.

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PUNE: In a heart-warming celebration of MomStory’s 2nd Anniversary, Sahyadri Hospitals successfully hosted the MomStory Pregnancy Carnival, where the hospital not only honored expectant mothers but also highlighted the completion of its impactful community support projects in Pune. The event, graced by celebrity guest Bipasha Basu, drew a large crowd of expecting parents, reflecting the community’s strong engagement with the hospital’s initiatives.

On the occasion of MomStory’s 2nd Anniversary, the focus was placed on emphasizing the dietary needs of pregnant women. These initiative addresses the crucial aspects of nutrition during and after pregnancy, significantly affecting both maternal well-being and the health of their newborn children. The health and nutrition of pregnant women affect the baby’s development in the womb and their growth after birth. Very often, the right nutrition and the required quality are not available to these women in rural/distant areas, causing many deficiencies in health and complications during and post-birth to both the mother and child.

At the carnival, attendees experienced a mix of education, excitement, and community engagement. Bipasha Basu shared her parenting experiences and took part in heart-to-heart conversations with the participants, adding a personal touch to the festivities. Dr. Mahima Bakshi, a Maternal Child Wellness Consultant and Brand Consultant to MomStory by Sahyadri Hospitals, reinforced the hospital’s dedication to motherhood wellness, stating, “Our commitment at MomStory by Sahyadri Hospitals is to nurture health and happiness right from the beginning of motherhood. Today’s celebration also serves as a platform to further our community support through new CSR initiatives, focusing on the dietary needs of pregnant women along with the post-birth wellness needs of new mothers and children which are crucial for good health in the society and future of the community.”

Navkaran Singh Kang, Assistant Vice President at Sahyadri Hospitals & MomStory by Sahyadri Hospitals, detailed these initiatives, “We are thrilled to join hands with local Anganwadi and ASHA workers to provide nutritional advice to expecting mothers and the ASHA workers who would guide them forward along with special ladoos that assist with post-delivery recovery and improve breast milk nutrition at the very least. Our visit to Maher orphanage was particularly fulfilling, where our doctors engaged with the children through games and activities, and distributed snack boxes, sweets, and gifts as a mother would. It was a day of joy and meaningful community interaction. Our initiative aims to benefit 2000 ASHA workers and approximately 3000-4500 expecting and new mothers over the next 6 months of the Indapur & Solapur track of Hadapsar belt in Pune.”

The carnival featured a lively Zumba session, a maternity photo booth with fun props, and zones dedicated to fashion and style, making the day both entertaining and informative for all attendees. The atmosphere was further enlivened with lucky draws and special giveaways.

Bipasha Basu expressed her delight at participating, saying, “It’s a privilege to celebrate such a special day with so many inspiring mothers. The strength and joy of motherhood are evident in each story shared here. I am excited to see how our continued efforts will support and empower mothers across the community.”

Through the Momstory Pregnancy Carnival, Sahyadri Hospitals not only celebrated motherhood but also affirmed its commitment to nurturing the community, ensuring that the journey of motherhood is supported with utmost care and compassion. The hospital looks forward to sustaining these efforts and fostering stronger community connections in the future, with a specific emphasis on the health and nutrition of women in underserved areas.

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DELHI: Nand Ghar, which aims to transform 14 lakh angawadis across India, unveiled a national movement – Agar Bachpan Se Poocha Khaana Khaya, Toh Desh Ka Kal Banaya (अगर बचपन से पूछा खाना खाया तो देश का कल बनाया) with Actor Manoj Bajpayee. This movement by Nand Ghar is aimed at nourishing India’s future generation by ensuring holistic healthcare, quality nutrition and ensuring best-in-class preschool education for children.

Welcoming Manoj Bajpayee in joining this movement,Anil Agarwal, Chairman, Vedanta said, “Project Nand Ghar is a national movement that supports the overall well-being of children and women with a focus on health and nutrition. We are delighted that Manoj Bajpayee ji has extended his support to this growing movement. His personal life story deeply resonates with Nand Ghar’s cause to nourish and transform the lives of our future generations.”

In the heartwarming campaign launch today, Manoj Bajpayee was seen narrating his personal journey as a young theatre actor and outlined the invaluable support of his friends in ensuring regular nutritious meals for him while pursuing the acting dream. Bajpayee poignantly describes an artist’s struggle, acknowledging that the strength to pursue one’s dreams comes from a full stomach and wholesome food. Bajpayee further urged people to extend their support by visiting www.nandghar.org and to donate, volunteer or partner with Nand Ghar.

Enthused about his association with Nand Ghar, Manoj Bajpayee said, “As someone who has lived with hunger pangs, I understand the deep impact it can have on physical, mental and emotional well-being. That’s why initiatives like Project Nand Ghar are so crucial. It not only ensures that children receive proper nutrition but also brings hope, opportunity, and a chance for a brighter future. Let’s all join hands with the Nand Ghar movement to ensure that we nourish the potential of children, and together, prepare for a brighter India.”

Sharing his thoughts on the movement conceptualised by McCann, Prasoon Joshi, CEO & CCO at McCann Worldgroup India and Chairman, Asia Pacific said “If we want to give our children a genuine chance at realizing their true potential, then well-rounded nutrition is essential.  What better way to highlight this than to bring forth some of India’s most famous sons and daughters who have faced this hurdle in their journey.”

Nand Ghar is the flagship project of Anil Agarwal Foundation (AAF) and has been working towards ensuring that no child goes to bed hungry – a dream of Chairman Anil Agarwal. In a milestone moment for Nand Ghar,  we have been successful in reducing malnutrition levels while increasing pre-schoolers’ attendance at Nand Ghars across 14 states in India. Last year, AAF also launched multi-millet nutri bars which are currently being distributed daily to 50,000 children between 3-6 years across 1364 Anganwadis in Varanasi. These bars, rich in protein, fibre, and antioxidants have not only improved the daily nutrient intake of children, but also, reduced absenteeism.

With credible voices joining the #KhanaKhayaKya movement, Nand Ghar is inviting citizens and like-minded organisations to partake in this journey of transformation. It is paving the way to realise the dream of a better tomorrow for our nation. 

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PUNE: Srinivasan Services Trust (SST) the social arm of TVS Motor Company and Sundaram-Clayton Limited organized an event themed ‘Millets, Women and Health’, focusing on empowering across their clusters in and around Pune. Led by the Village Development Officers (VDOs) and their women SHG members, the event was graced by Chaitali Kalbande, Nutritionist, Sassoon Hospital, Pune, and Nivedita Shete, Subject Matter Specialist, Home Science, KVK Narayangoan, and 450 SHG members from the community. The event was organized in Khadakwadi Gram panchayat, Ambegaon Block, Pune District of Maharashtra.

SST is proud to continue its efforts towards spreading awareness about the health benefits of millet through Self-Help Group Communities in Pune. Through such an initiative SST aimed to not only draw attention towards the health benefits of Millets but also to felicitate women Sarpanch and young girls who showcased their talent by participating in rangoli, poster making and artwork making using millets.

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Almonds

Consuming a handful of almonds may benefit both short-term and long-term blood sugar control for individuals with uncomplicated type-2 diabetes. Including almonds in a meal can help prevent sudden spikes in blood sugar levels by slowing down the release of glucose into the bloodstream, thanks to their monounsaturated fatty acids content.

Almonds can also aid in boosting metabolism in individuals managing type-2 diabetes, consequently facilitating faster calorie burning. This metabolic boost is attributed to almonds’ nutritional profile, which includes fiber, essential vitamins like folate and vitamin E, phytochemicals such as phytosterols and flavonoids, minerals like magnesium, potassium, and calcium, as well as unsaturated fatty acids.

Additionally, people with type-2 diabetes face an increased risk of developing heart disease. Almonds contain vitamin E and healthy fats that play a crucial role in averting heart complications. Research conducted by Harvard University suggests that incorporating almonds into the diet can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease among adults with type-2 diabetes.

Green leafy vegetables

While many of us recognize the importance of incorporating greens into our diets, research indicates that consuming green leafy vegetables can significantly decrease the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Examples of green leafy vegetables that can be regularly included in one’s diet include spinach, cabbage, drumstick leaves, mint leaves, amaranth leaves, fenugreek leaves, and radish tops, among others. These vegetables are abundant in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and some also contain omega-3 fatty acids in the alpha-linolenic form.

There are various ways to incorporate these green leafy vegetables into your diet, such as adding them to soups, and salads, or even consuming them as a green juice. If you choose to cook them as a curry, it’s advisable to avoid adding excess oil to maintain their nutritional benefits.

Yogurt

Homemade yogurt, known as “dahi,” has been a staple in the Indian diet for centuries. In recent years, yogurt has gained popularity for its numerous health benefits. According to a Yogurt and Diabetes study, consuming yogurt may decrease the risk of type 2 diabetes, especially in healthy and older adults with a high cardiovascular risk. The study found that there was a 14% lower risk of type 2 diabetes among those who consumed 80–125 grams of yogurt per day compared to those who consumed no yogurt at all.

Yogurt can be particularly beneficial for managing diabetes because it is low in carbohydrates, high in protein, and supportive of gut health. When purchasing yogurt, it’s advisable to opt for the plain variant rather than flavored options. Plain yogurt allows for better control over added sugars. For added nutrients and flavor, consider topping your yogurt with healthy options such as sliced almonds or strawberries.

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HYDERABAD: Over the last year, Earthful, co-founded by sisters Sudha Gogineni & Veda Gogineni, has shown an exemplary 5X growth. The clean label startup has witnessed a 15% MoM growth along with building a community of health enthusiasts. Earthful products are available to consumers through its website and online marketplaces. More than 70-80% of the sales come from their website showcasing the strength of the brand love.

Earthful’s flagship product range includes 100% Plant Multivitamins, customized to the needs of Teens, Adults & Elderly, across genders. Their uniqueness lies in sourcing every single Vitamin & Mineral, from a science-backed plant source. For eg: Iron from Curry leaves and vitamin C from Amla. They are also disrupting the Protein space, with a clean, 6 ingredients only, Plant Protein powder range, with natural Indianized tastes such as Kerala Vanilla, Alphonso Mango, and Dark cocoa. They ensure the formulations are clean by avoiding unnecessary excipients, flavors, and processed sugars, and choosing natural alternatives.

Earthful was born out of a very personal need for founders, Sudha and Veda, to solve their health needs. Coming from a health-conscious family, they understood the importance of eating right and staying fit. Yet, hustling a fast-paced lifestyle they fell prey to nagging health issues such as knee pains, energy crashes, etc. They understood the problem was hidden in their nutritional deficiencies. Being unhappy with the synthetic or animal-derived choices in the market, they went on to build a Clean, Plant-based nutrition brand, Earthful.

Earthful has adopted a bold mission to fight hidden hunger in India, where we consume enough calories for our hunger but not the right amount & variety of nutrients. ~75% of Indians have a deficiency of at least one Vitamin or Mineral, leading to health concerns. Earthful aims to tackle this problem head-on with its science-backed, plant nutrition.

Commenting on the investment, Veda Gogineni, Co-Founder, Earthful said, “We are delighted to have received the investment which will help us invest in research & development, build omni-channel distribution & expand our team.”

Abhishek Goyal, Co-Founder, of Tracxn, said, “Earthful is truly rebuilding trust in nutrition products by formulating clean products with transparency. Their choice of unique plant ingredients with scientific backing is very novel.”

Sudha, a Chemical engineer from IIT Kharagpur and ISB Hyderabad alumnus, has previously worked with ITC Ltd and Uber. While her co-founder, Veda, a Biotechnologist from IIT Kharagpur, earlier worked with Deutsche Bank and Meesho. Leveraging their strong science backgrounds & working with a team of qualified doctors & scientists, Earthful Founders place the highest importance on innovation & research. They also actively create content to increase awareness about nutrition and wellness.

Highlighting the importance of quality, Sudha Gogineni, Co-Founder, of Earthful said, “We are the first consumers of every product we make and are obsessed with the quality & efficacy of our products.”

Dr. Sindhura, Director, of Green Ivy Ventures said “I’m thrilled to partner with Earthful, founded by the incredible sisters Sudha & Veda. Their mission to fight undernutrition through 100% plant-based health supplements resonates deeply with me as a Doctor & Mother.”

Earthful is disrupting the fast-growing nutraceutical market in India, pegged to reach ~$18 billion by 2025. With the rise in lifestyle diseases, the adoption of nutritional supplements has been on the rise.

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The panel discussion was moderated by Ms. Mini Varghese, Country Director-India, Nutrition International, and co-moderated by Dr. Kapil Yadav, Professor, Centre for Community Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi. The panelists comprised Dr. Suparna Ghosh-Jerath, Program Head, Nutrition, The George Institute for Global Health, India, Dr. Anjali Ganpule, Senior Research Associate Centre for Chronic Disease Control (CCDC), New Delhi, and Dr. Surabhi Mittal, Economist-Asia from Nutrition International.

The World Bank estimates that all forms of malnutrition cost the global economy $3.5 trillion per year, whereas, every $1 invested in nutrition can generate $16 in returns. Understanding the economic implications is crucial for making informed decisions and advocating for resource allocation in public health.

Economics can be useful in research and applied analysis to inform advocacy, policy decisions, and investments. Practical tools and resources, which are simple to use, have proven to be successful in influencing policy and informing investments. They help increase access to data for countries and motivate them for in-depth research. The panel discussion saw an in-depth presentation on several evidence-based modeling tools that estimate the health, human capital, and economic costs of current levels of malnutrition and inform and influence nutrition policy decisions and resource allocations in the area.

“A healthy, well-nourished population is the foundational prerequisite for growth and economic development. Investments in nutrition create a virtuous circle linking nutrition to improved health, increased education and lifetime earnings, and women’s empowerment. We know that every $1 invested in nutrition can generate $16 in returns. Yet, funding for nutrition has continually remained low. Increasing investments in nutrition and implementing proven intervention at scale addressing equity issues is therefore crucial. Investing in nutrition is not only the right thing to do, it’s also the smart thing to do to ensure a sustainable future. Prioritizing nutrition, especially for the vulnerable population can connect them to a world of opportunity,” said Mini Varghese, Country Director, Nutrition International.

Dr. Ghosh Jerath said, “Improved nutrition and improved economic growth have a bi-directional relationship. Moreover, the life-cycle approach to nutrition is very critical. Nutrition interventions, therefore, need to be intergenerational and address both ends of the spectrum, that is, undernutrition and overnutrition.”

Apart from nutrition economics, the panel also deliberated on the current status of nutrition in South Asia and India, the policy discourse around nutritious food choices, and the role and the role of nutrition communication in driving positive dietary choices.  Comprehensive and coordinated efforts among various departments such as the government, development partners, academia, and civil society amongst others, are key to enabling sustainable nutrition outcomes in the long run.

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ABIDJAN: At least 216 million African children suffer from stunting and malnutrition. In sub-Saharan Africa, malnutrition is the second leading cause of death among children after malaria. To end this situation, the African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) is stepping up its actions and its calls for mobilization both in Africa and worldwide. In 2016, the Bank launched the African Leaders for Nutrition (ALN) initiative (https://apo-opa.info/3Jmu6Kw) as an advocacy tool that would enable African countries to work with partners to boost nutrition on the continent.

Backed by the African Union, the initiative also commits African governments to commit part of their budgets to reduce malnutrition. In particular, countries are invited to implement policies and interventions to combat malnutrition through agriculture, the food system, and education, in tandem with various development partners.

Race against time

To demonstrate its commitment to combating malnutrition in Africa, in 2018, the Bank also unveiled the Multisectoral Nutrition Action Plan (https://apo-opa.info/43O7JGa). The plan seeks to mobilize additional financial resources for smart nutrition investments in the key sectors of agriculture, education, health, social protection, and water, sanitation, and hygiene to reduce child stunting on the continent by 40% through 2025. These sectors account for over 30% of public spending in Africa and are the underlying drivers of nutrition. So far, the Bank has allocated nearly $2.8 billion of its portfolio to smart nutrition, on a baseline of USD 0.70 billion in 2018, broken down as follows: health (USD 531 million), agriculture (USD 950 million), WASH (USD 650 million) and social protection (USD 605 million).

Moreover, the Bank is continually stepping up initiatives to ensure that thousands of African children have the chance to celebrate their fifth birthday. Through the “Banking on Nutrition” (https://apo-opa.info/3JnGpWS) program, a partnership with Big Win Philanthropy and the Aliko Dangote Foundation, the Bank is leading the urgent fight against infant malnutrition. The program is mainstreaming nutrition into regional and national strategies and works to increase the production and consumption of healthy, nutritious food through the mobilization of partnerships, governments, and the private sector.

For example, in the Sahel region, which faces enormous impacts from climate change including desertification, drought, erosion, flooding, and political insecurity, the bank is implementing a specific regional program on food security and nutrition. The Programme to Build Resilience to Food and Nutrition Insecurity in the Sahel (https://apo-opa.info/3PlX0yh) exemplifies the sort of collaboration the Bank seeks to establish with other development partners to combat malnutrition.

With contributions from the Canada-African Development Bank Climate Fund (https://apo-opa.info/449zuJa), the West African Development Bank  (https://www.BOAD.org/), and the African Development Fund (https://ADF.AfDB.org/), the African Development Bank Group’s concessional window, the initiative will mobilize $176 million to sustainably increase productivity and income from agrarian, forestry, pastoral and fisheries value chains. The program is also strengthening Africans’ capacity to adapt to climatic hazards and contributes to mitigating the effects of climate change in six countries: Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali, Niger, Senegal, and Togo. Some 1.38 million people will benefit directly from this project, and a further 5.69 million will benefit indirectly.

In Burkina Faso, the School Meals with Local Produce for Intelligent Nutrition Project (https://apo-opa.info/3PoSJdo), financed by Japan through the African Development Bank, keeps thousands of schoolchildren in school. With funding of $990,000, the project is reinforcing efforts by the Burkina Faso government to ensure that every child in elementary school has at least one balanced meal a day.

Adesina is among the UN’s global champions against malnutrition

In 2019, the Bank approved a grant of $8 million for the creation of the Regional Centre of Excellence in Nutritional Sciences (https://apo-opa.info/3Jo4XPB) in Burundi. It will help address the shortage of qualified nutrition and agro-processing specialists to strengthen food security in Burundi and the East Africa region. The project was implemented against a backdrop of high rates of chronic malnutrition in Burundi (56%) and East Africa. The center will offer courses in clinical nutrition, nutrition, public health, agrifood technology, food quality, food safety, and climate change. By June 2022, the syllabi had been developed, and a cohort of 59 students enrolled for training.

As an affirmation of his work on nutrition, bank President, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, has just been appointed by UN Secretary-General António Guterres as one of 22 global leaders to spearhead the fight against malnutrition at a critical time for food and nutrition security. Other global leaders include Cindy McCain, Executive Director of the World Food Program; Catherine Russell, Executive Director of UNICEF; Gabriela De Bukele, First Lady of El Salvador; Sania Nishtar, member of the Senate and President of the NGO Heartfile in Pakistan; and Gunhlid Stordalen, Founder and President of the EAT Foundation in Norway, also feature on the list.

“I am greatly honored by the United Nations Secretary-General appointing me among global leaders to tackle global malnutrition. Thank you, SG. I look forward to helping to deliver on this agenda,” said Dr. Adesina on Twitter, welcoming the news.

The appointment should reinforce the commitment of Mr. Adesina, under whose leadership, the Bank has helped mobilize $72 billion from international partners, following the Dakar 2 Summit on Food Sovereignty and Resilience (https://apo-opa.info/3pcmbZA), to boost food and agricultural production in Africa. The Bank itself has committed to invest $10 billion in the sector over the next five years in Africa.

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