This study provides insights to some of the key functions of the Integrated Child Development Scheme and health services in the management of childhood under-nutrition in six key empowered action group states. It explores the underlying process and determinants of under-nutrition and the manner in which these two key services are playing out their role and scope in contributing to the management. Despite the recent emphases on management of under-nutrition, the health services are yet to respond to the enormous challenges in a signifi cant manner.
With only 0.05% of the total area of the country, Delhi is home to 1.34% of India's population. This creates enormous pressure on natural and man-made resources, and generates situations in which non-health determinants may take precedence over the conventional determinants directly associated with health and health care.
The National Urban Health Mission was supposed to address the unmet health needs of urban Indians. Yet, it has failed to commence work even 18 months after the announcement of its formation. A rapidly urbanising India has been marked by a series of epidemics of communicable diseases in the last two decades and increasing informalisation of the economy.
With lobbying going on to replace cooked meals in the mid-day meal programme with processed foods like biscuits, this article reports on a consultation earlier this year that saw academicians, medical professionals, and nutrition and public health experts discuss the impact of providing dry rations versus cooked foods.
