Targeting Malnutrition Among Children (1-5 years) Through CDNC Approach: A Case Study From Gujarat

Targeting Malnutrition among Children (1-5 years) through CDNC Approach: A Case Study from Gujarat
Vivek Sharma1, Ms. Abha Ekka2, Ajay Pandey3

Malnutrition among children is a significant factor contributing directly to infant and child deaths. Malnutrition among infant and children not only impairs cognitive development but also impacts their overall health, longevity, school performance, resulting in low labor productivity in the prime working ages. MDG goals for 2015 listed reduction in child malnutrition and poverty as major developmental goals. Gujarat as a State Ranks high in overall Human Development Index but malnutrition statistics for children age 3 or below increased 45.1 percent to 47.4 percent over NFHS 2 and NFHS 3 intervening period.
In order to reverse this trend Government of Gujarat embarked upon innovative scheme of   opening up of “Child Development and Nutrition Centers (CDNC)” especially in those block of the districts were malnutrition among children were found to be on a high side.
This paper aims at studying and analyzing the success story of CDNC in Gujarat in reducing the Malnourishment among children in the State of Gujarat.

This study was conducted in 52 CDNCs. 56,926 children between the age group of 1- 5 years were weighed. Among them 12,125 (21.3%) were found to be in the red zone. The centre provided services to 4524 children (99% from red zone) between April-October 2010. After 10days of centre services, 96% children gained weight, 33% and 2% children shifted upward to the yellow zone and the green zone respectively.

Sub theme: Maternal and Child Health – Achieving MDGs & Sustaining Them

Name of authors
1. Vivek Sharma, Monitoring and Evaluation Coordinator, ChildFund India, New Delhi
2. Ms. Abha Ekka, Technical Specialist for Youths, ChildFund India, New Delhi
3. Ajay Pandey, Assistant Director, Population Research Centre, University of Lucknow, Lucknow Uttar Pradesh

4. Travel assistance: Required