Multisectoral Nutrition Interventions and Their Impact on the Nutritional Status of Children: An Open Experiment in Two Remote Blocks of Karnataka, India

Abstract

The Karnataka Multisectoral Nutrition Pilot Project, led by the Karnataka Comprehensive Nutrition Mission was implemented in Devadurga Block, Raichur District and Chincholi Block, Gulbarga District, two most backward blocks, between 2015 and 2018. Interventions were inter-sectoral and inter- generational and addressed root causes of malnutrition. This article analyses real-time data that emerged from the project regarding underweight, stunting and wasting among 8606 children in the cross-sectional group and 699 children in the cohort group aged 6 months to 3 years. Data indicate that percentage of “normal children”—not underweight, wasted or stunted—increased by 9% points from baseline to end line; underweight reduced by half and wasting by almost two-thirds. Stunting increased by 1% point, with previously wasted and underweight children transitioning into stunting, while around one-third baseline stunted children became non-stunted. This constant transition between the three anthropometric indicators suggests that they impact each other constantly and coexist simultaneously in different combinations as children grow. Hence, policy and programmes for addressing/preventing them, should view them in an integrated, holistic manner.