India is a developing country with a huge population, and a large population is still struggling with poverty. In such a big country, the issue of malnutrition is big. Consider the following two figures:
- According to an article published in The Hindu, one in three children (about 31%) is stunted or too short for their age in India. This is a symptom of persistent malnutrition.
- The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) shows that between 2015–16 and 2019–20, the prevalence of malnutrition among children under the age of five increased in India, rising from 35.7% to 36%. The study also discovered that, among children under five, the prevalence of wasting (low weight for height) increased from 17.3% to 17.8% over the same period.
These figures clearly show that Malnutrition is a serious problem in India and is brought on by a number of variables, including poverty, a lack of access to clean water, and inadequate sanitation.
To counter such an enormous challenge, the whole nation should come together. However, the biggest issue is that many people are not aware of this huge health issue. To overcome this obstacle, one of the steps that the government of India has taken is the celebration of National Nutrition Week. It is a time when the nation unites to celebrate the significance of proper nutrition in our lives.
This year’s theme, “Healthy Diet Gawing Affordable for All,” underscores the importance of accessible, nutritious food for everyone, regardless of economic status or social background.
In this blog, we will delve into why National Nutrition Week matters, explore the theme in detail, and showcase the commitment of Orane International, India’s largest nutrition institute chain, towards making affordable nutrition a reality.
The Significance of National Nutrition Week
National Nutrition Week has a rich history in India, dating back several decades. It was established to raise awareness about nutrition’s pivotal role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It was started in 1973 by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to raise awareness about the importance of nutrition and its role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. India observes it every year from September 1 to 7.
National Nutrition Week is an important opportunity to educate people about the importance of nutrition and how to improve their dietary habits. The week-long event also provides a platform for government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders to work together to address the problem of malnutrition in India.
Moreover, over the years, it has evolved into a platform that encourages individuals and communities to focus on their dietary habits and overall well-being. The significance lies in its ability to remind us of the importance of proper nutrition.
Understanding the Theme
This year’s theme, “Healthy Diet Gawing Affordable for All,” resonates deeply in a world where accessibility to nutritious food is a global challenge. Many individuals and families face obstacles when it comes to obtaining affordable, wholesome meals. We must acknowledge these challenges, as addressing them is paramount for improving dietary habits and overall health.
The theme “Healthy Diet Gawing Affordable for All” is particularly relevant in India. Most of the people in India are poor and cannot even fulfill their basic requirements. This makes it difficult for many people to afford nutritious foods, which can lead to health problems such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
A number of challenges make it difficult for people in India to access affordable, healthy food. One challenge is the high cost of nutritious foods. Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are often more expensive than processed foods, which are often high in unhealthy fats, sugar, and salt.
Another challenge is the lack of access to healthy food options in all parts of the country. In many parts of India, there are few grocery stores or farmers’ markets where people can buy fresh, healthy food. This means that people often have to rely on convenience stores or fast food restaurants, which offer unhealthy food options.
Finally, there is a lack of awareness about the importance of healthy eating. Many people in India do not know how to make healthy choices when it comes to food. This can lead to people making unhealthy choices that can have a negative impact on their health.
Steps That Can Help India Overcome These Challenges
Here are the key points that can help make healthy eating more affordable in India:
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Increase the availability of Affordable, Nutritious foods
The government and private companies must support farmers’ markets and grocery stores that offer fresh, healthy food options.
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Education and Awareness
Government and private entities should conduct public awareness campaigns to educate people about the importance of healthy eating. It is the need of the hour to start and implement school programs that teach children and adolescents about nutrition and healthy food choices.
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Address Economic and Social Factors
There’s a compelling need to increase the minimum wage to help individuals afford healthier food options. Another measure can be to provide affordable housing to alleviate economic burdens, making it easier for people to invest in their health.
These steps will collectively make healthy eating more accessible and affordable for everyone in India. Furthermore, these efforts will result in improved health outcomes for individuals and families. By implementing these strategies, India can take significant steps toward promoting healthier eating habits and addressing the challenges associated with affordable nutrition.
Orane’s Commitment to Affordable Nutrition
Orane, a prominent nutrition institute in India, is actively participating in National Nutrition Week 2023. Our commitment to affordable nutrition shines through various initiatives and programs to educate and assist communities. Let’s take a closer look at how Orane is making a tangible difference in the field of nutrition:
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The Role of Education and Training
Nutrition education is a big tool to counter its challenges. Orane offers professional, science-backed nutrition courses to individuals to earn a living and spread the right knowledge when they turn professional.
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Various Programs
Orane runs online programs and events like “Healthy Tuesdays” to spread awareness of the importance of nutrition. Various webinars, video materials, and text materials containing information and suggestions are available on the Orane site and on its social media. These help viewers take steps to make a difference in their lives in terms of health and nutrition
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Special steps
National Nutrition Week is not just about individual change; it’s also about communities coming together for a shared cause. This week, we’ll highlight the importance of collective action and mention any events, workshops, or activities planned by us. Moreover, we will provide practical tips to our large online and offline communities on how to make nutritious eating affordable. From budget-friendly food choices to smart meal-planning strategies, these tips will empower them to take action during National Nutrition Week and beyond.
Conclusion
In conclusion, National Nutrition Week 2023, with the theme “Healthy Diet Gawing Affordable for All,” is a reminder of our collective responsibility to ensure that everyone has access to nutritious food. This blog explains why and how this week is an opportunity to raise awareness about nutrition issues and how everyone has the right to an affordable nutritional diet. Orane is committed to doing its part to raise awareness about this important week. And finally, together, we can create a future where everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of a nutritious diet and lead healthier lives.
