‘What further complicates the situation is that many factors influence nutritional intake in adolescent girls’. photo credit: kumar ss
To unlock the full potential of India’s future, we must prioritize the health and nutrition of its adolescent girls. Adolescence is a critical period of cognitive development and, therefore, improving access to nutrition during this “second window of opportunity for development” compensates for any nutrient deficiencies acquired during early developmental stages in girls. In addition, adolescent health is an important indicator of women’s labor force participation in India over the long term, as better nutrition improves each young girl’s chances of participating in productive activities. Thus, the country sees a huge opportunity to add to its country’s demographic dividend by investing in nutritional interventions in adolescent girls.
ever-increasing nutritional concern
Adolescent girls are particularly vulnerable to malnutrition and anaemia, due to the onset of menstruation. The findings of the National Family Health Survey-5 (2019-21) corroborate these concerns, as a staggering 59.1% adolescent girls were found anemic. More than 41.9% of school going girls with NFHS-4 score are reported as underweight, a number that shows a worrying trend. What makes the situation more complicated is the fact that many factors, from environmental conditions to cultural norms, including the lack of a gender-neutral environment within a household, affect nutritional intake in adolescent girls.
While progress has been made in improving key health indicators in the form of various government initiatives that have successfully achieved optimal coverage, it is necessary to acknowledge that current health interventions do not specifically focus on the nutritional status of adolescent girls.
We, as a nation, are far from understanding the long-term consequences of ignoring the nutritional needs of young girls. A poorly balanced and inadequate diet can lead to cognitive impairment which affects one’s academic performance. This can result in lower educational attainment, which may limit opportunities for employment and economic self-sufficiency later in life. Malnourished adolescent girls are also at higher risk of chronic diseases and pregnancy complications, which can increase the health care burden on both families and communities, potentially leading to increased financial instability and poverty. If our girls are less healthy and less educated, they are less likely to participate fully in society through work, politics or community involvement.
redefine interventions
Therefore, it is imperative that we redefine interventions in such a way that we not only center it around good nutrition but also take a life-cycle approach, ensuring that no girl child is left behind. This investment could also help break the inter-generational cycle of poverty, as well-nourished girls are more likely to have healthier children and better care for their families. Thus, investing in girls’ nutrition is not only a moral obligation of the state but also an economic one, with potential returns in the form of greater sustainable economic development of the nation.
Additionally, some strategic modifications to existing interventions can greatly expand the scope of its outcomes. The convergence of various government initiatives such as the Scheme for Adolescent Girls (SAG) under the umbrella of the Prime Minister’s comprehensive scheme for Holistic Nutrition Program (POSHAN) 2.0 is a step in the right direction, provided it is implemented effectively. Targeted adolescent-oriented schemes such as the Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK) could also include more robust awareness and nutrition education programs that would help maintain beneficiary compliance. Targeted and regionally relevant Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC) efforts around adolescent nutrition will certainly ensure greater demand and adoption of good practices. For better results, it is very important to foster a collective effort for effective convergence and collaboration among all the concerned departments. Regular training of health workers for effective implementation and monitoring of various schemes and adaptation with the changing scenario is also an important step in this process.
Use Evidence and Data
A holistic narrative on nutrition of adolescent girls is needed to explain its relationship with overall mental and physical well-being, individual productivity and overall economic development of the country. It should be packed with evidence/data that appeals effectively to everyone outside the technical community, and it should be designed to be actionable. It also immediately brings to the fore the need for disaggregated data that allows for effective interpretation.
As an elected representative, it is my duty to advance this important discussion on nutrition, to work towards protecting and improving the nutritional status of adolescent girls in our country. It is important to acknowledge that tackling the complex issue of nutrition among adolescent girls is not only a health concern, but an investment in the nation’s future. We have a great responsibility as well as a tremendous opportunity to ensure the welfare and upliftment of the nation by prioritizing the nutritional needs of India’s girls. The strength of a nation is measured by its ability to nurture future generations; So, let us work collectively to sow the seeds of a healthy, strong India, where every girl can reach her full potential.
Gaurav Gogoi is the Member of Parliament (INC), Kaliabor, Assam