THE CHALLENGE OF CHILD UNDERNUTRITION IN UTTAR PRADESH: FINDING FROM A SITUATION ASSESSMENT

This paper analyzes the current nutrition situation in Uttar Pradesh and examines nutrition-related services, programs, and policies with the goal of informing strategic directions for nutrition-related policy in Uttar Pradesh. This paper uses an assessment framework that explicitly considers the biological, programmatic, and sociopolitical aspects of nutrition in Uttar Pradesh. It draws on primary and secondary data sources; published literature, results of a stakeholder network mapping exercise and in-depth, semi-structured interviews with key nutrition stakeholders in Uttar Pradesh.

Our analysis of programmatic factors finds that several state-level nutrition policies and programs have been initiated and implemented in Uttar Pradesh over the last decade. The availability of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) has also increased substantially in the last few years, indicating that the universalization of ICDS is well underway in Uttar Pradesh.

Access POSHAN Report 3, March 2014.