This refers to the article, “India yet to reach intended goals” (Herald, Comment, August 5, 2017) by Freddy Dias. Now, India has 48.2 million children (the highest in the world) with stunted growth as a result of malnutrition as per the latest global report on childhood. Also, among our children in 4-14 years group, 11.8 per cent that is 31 million (the highest in the world) have been engaged as workers. These two factors have pushed India to 116th position among 172 countries according to the recent report titled “Stolen Childhoods” by Save the Children. In this context, we can remember what the World Bank president, Jim Yong Kim had once said, “It is my suggestion to the government of India to work with us on stunting. This is the bottom line: ‘if you walk into the future economy with 40 per cent of your workforce having been stunted’ as children, you are simply not going to be able to compete.” To combat it and to build a strong and healthy country, India must focus her attention to the mothers of our country.
Scientists say that the first 1000 days from conception to the second birthday of a child is vital. It is during this period that the infant’s body and brain develop at a rapid pace. Increasing scientific evidences show that meeting the specific nutritional needs during the first 1000 days, and beyond, will positively influence short and long term health outcomes. Thus, a mother being the sole source of nutrition for the developing embryo and fetus during pregnancy as well as being the one who breastfeeds her baby after its birth, is definitely the key to build the future of our country.
Another reason for India’s sorry state is child marriage. According to the report, 23.3 girls per 1000 have to become pregnant and give birth between the age of 15 and 19 years.
We are a young country with huge human potential but we are not giving top priority to human development. India needs to adopt labour intensive technology and village first policy to generate employment. Simultaneously, India should take a First-1000-Day-Programme for mothers and children to make healthy babies for a healthy, strong and happy country.
