• According to the recently released UNICEF’s Child Nutrition Report 2024, one in four children under age 5 around the world is experiencing severe food poverty and Child Food Poverty (CFP) is at severe level.

Child Food Poverty (CFP)

• UNICEF defines child food poverty as children’s inability to access and consume a nutritious and diverse diet in early childhood (i.e., the first five years of life).

Major Highlights of the Report

• Prevalence: 27% of children globally; 40% in India (2nd highest in South Asia).
• Systemic Failure: CFP results from failing governance systems, not failing families.
• Poor Diet: Rise in unhealthy food consumption replacing nutrient-rich options.
• Income and CFP: Affects both poor and non-poor households, showing income isn’t the sole factor.
• Slow Progress: Global efforts are slow in ending CFP
• Diet Quality: Children in severe CFP lack nutrient-rich foods; unhealthy foods dominate.
• Crisis Impact: Global food/nutrition crises, conflicts, and climate shocks worsen CFP.
• Undernutrition Link: Higher CFP correlates with higher stunting rates.
• Drivers: Poor food environments, poor feeding practices, climate crisis and household income poverty.

Indian Context

• Prevalence of Malnutrition (National Family Health Survey, NFHS -5): Children Under 5: 35.5% stunted, 19.3% wasted, 32.1% underweight, 3% overweight
• Prevalence of Anaemia: Pregnant Women (15-49 years): 52.2%; Children (6-59 months): 67.1%
• State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World Report (2023): Diet Affordability: 74% of the population cannot afford a healthy diet; 39% lack a nutrient-adequate diet.
• Global Hunger Index (2023): GHI Score: 28.7 (serious); Child Wasting Rate: 18.7% (highest in the world).

Related Initiatives taken by Indian Government

United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF)

• Founded: 11 December 1946
• Headquarters: New York, United States
• Executive Director: Catherine M. Russell
• UNICEF is guided by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, 1989