National Nutrition Week is observed every year from September 1st to 7th. It is a collaborative initiative by the Food and Nutrition Board and the Indian government’s Ministry of Women and Child Development to not only spread awareness around the importance of nutrition, but to also promote healthy eating.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), India contributes a third of the global burden of undernutrition. With a score of 29.1, India ranks 107 out of 121 countries based on the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2022. The GHI is a tool that comprehensively measures and tracks hunger at global, regional, and national levels. The statistics revealed India’s child wasting rate at 19.3%, which is highest around the world. Prevalence of undernourishment stands at 16.3%, child stunting at 35.5%, and child mortality rate at 3.3%.
Amid such alarming data, isn’t it our collective responsibility to make nutrition a daily part of our lives and to educate those who are deprived of the awareness. Having said that, here’s a brief look at how National Nutrition Week came into being, its significance, and the theme of this year’s celebration.
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History Of National Nutrition Week
The American Dietetic Association (ADA), currently known as the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, started National Nutrition Week in 1975. The initiative was welcomed by the public, which encouraged the celebrations to be extended to an entire month in 1980.
In India, National Nutrition Week was first observed in 1982 in a bid to educate, motivate and make people aware of their right to nutrition and its association with good health and longer life.
Why Is It Celebrated?
National Nutrition Week holds great significance as it aims to educate people about the role of nutrition and the importance of maintaining a well-balanced diet. To elaborate on that, here are some key reasons why National Nutrition Week is significant:
The path to combating malnutrition: In many parts of the world, including India, malnutrition remains a significant public health concern. National Nutrition Week often includes programs and initiatives aimed at addressing malnutrition, especially among vulnerable populations like children and pregnant women.
Educate the public: During this week, government agencies, non-governmental organisations, healthcare providers, and educational institutions organise workshops, seminars, and awareness campaigns to educate the public about the significance of nutrition. They often provide information on dietary guidelines, food choices, and healthy eating habits.
Promote healthy eating: The Nutrition Week encourages people to make healthier food choices and adopt better eating habits. It can lead to increased consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other nutritious foods while reducing the intake of unhealthy foods high in sugar, salt, and saturated fats.
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Prevent diet-related diseases: Many chronic diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer, are closely linked to diet and nutrition. By promoting better nutrition, National Nutrition Week contributes to reducing the risk of these diseases.
Support sustainable food choices: National Nutrition Week often emphasises the importance of sustainable and environmentally friendly food choices. It encourages the consumption of locally sourced and seasonal foods, reducing the carbon footprint associated with food production and distribution.
This Year’s National Nutrition Week Theme
According to UNICEF, the theme of Nutrition Month 2023 is “Healthy Diet Going Affordable for All”, which aims to improve access to affordable, nutritious diets for families, especially children.
Conclusion
National Nutrition Week is a wonderful initiative taken by countries around the world. In India, it is celebrated in the first week of September and experts and government officials work hand in hand to create awareness around the importance of nutrition and educate everyone around the same.
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