National Nutrition Week is celebrated every year from September 1 to 7. It is a collaborative initiative of the Food and Nutrition Board and the Ministry of Women and Child Development of India to not only create awareness about the importance of nutrition but also promote healthy diets.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), India accounts for 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 in global, regional and national levels. Statistics have revealed that the child wasting rate in India stands at 19.3%, the highest rate in the world. The prevalence of undernutrition stands at 16.3%, stunted child growth at 35.5% and the infant mortality rate at 3.3%.
In the midst of such alarming data, is it not our collective responsibility to make nutrition a daily part of our lives and educate those who are deprived of awareness. With that said, here’s a quick look at how National Nutrition Week came to be, why it’s important, 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, launched National Nutrition Week in 1975. The initiative was well received by the public, who encouraged celebrations to extend over an entire month in 1980.
In India, National Nutrition Week was first celebrated in 1982 with the aim of educating, motivating and creating awareness among people about their right to nutrition and its association with good health and a healthier life. long.
Why is he famous ?
National Nutrition Week is of great importance as it aims to raise awareness about the role of nutrition and the importance of maintaining a well-balanced diet. To expand on this point, here are some key reasons why National Nutrition Week is important:
The way forward to combat malnutrition: In many parts of the world, including India, malnutrition remains a significant public health problem. National Nutrition Week often includes programs and initiatives aimed at combating malnutrition, particularly among vulnerable populations like children and pregnant women.
Educate the public: During this week, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, healthcare providers and educational institutions organize workshops, seminars and awareness campaigns to spread awareness about the importance of nutrition. They often provide information on dietary guidelines, food choices, and healthy eating habits.
Promote healthy eating: Nutrition Week encourages people to make healthier food choices and adopt better eating habits. This can lead to increased consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and other nutritious foods while reducing consumption of unhealthy foods high in sugar, salt and saturated fat.
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Prevent diet-related illnesses: 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 helps reduce the risk of these diseases.
Supporting sustainable food choices: National Nutrition Week often highlights the importance of sustainable and environmentally friendly food choices. It encourages the consumption of local and seasonal foods, thereby 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, Affordable Food for All,” which aims to improve access to affordable and nutritious food 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 spread awareness about the importance of nutrition and educate everyone about it.
