Fight Hidden Hunger through National Programs and Food Based Approaches

Nearly 2 billion people, or one-third of the world’s population, suffer from micronutrient deficiencies. Micronutrient deficiencies or hidden hunger and the negative consequences of a diet deficient in essential vitamins, minerals, or trace elements continue to be serious public health concerns among Indians. This hidden hunger is especially prevalent among vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women, small children, and teenagers. As a result, the government has developed many national initiatives to combat malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies, including ICDS, NFSM, Poshan Abhiyan, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, and others. Governments also use food-based techniques to combat malnutrition and hidden hunger, including supplementation, food fortification, bio-fortification, and dietary diversification. This chapter presents statistics from the NFHS 4 and 5 and numerous national programs and food-based measures taken by governments to combat hidden hunger