Investing in Child Nutrition in Asia

Abstract

Child malnutrition is pervasive and persistent in Asia, and at present rates it will take decades to halve the prevalence—a goal common to many national plans. Nutrition-oriented programs are familiar in most countries, but have far too low coverage and resources, which is wasteful as well as ineffective. A massive expansion of community-based programs is feasible, with well-established activities (usually including support to: antenatal care, breastfeeding, caring practices including complementary feeding, growth monitoring, access to health care). Networks of local workers, ensuring individual contact with families, are the essential feature. Requirements including costs are proposed. Micronutrient deficiency control programs must also be expanded towards universal coverage. Context is crucial to success, important examples being women’s status, social exclusion, political commitment, community organizations, and literacy; policies should be directed to improving these. Assessing and building local capacity, and resolving certain generic issues, are early priorities.