Support 10,000 children suffering from malnutrition in M East Ward, Mumbai

More than one-third of the world's malnourished children live in India. One of the major causes of malnutrition in India is socio-economic inequality. Diets often lack both quality and quantity causing long-term damage to individuals and society. In Shivaji Nagar, more than half of children are stunted, almost every second child is under-weight & the probability of dying by age five per 1000 live births is 51 compared to the national average of 39. The Covid-19 pandemic has further worsened this situation.   

As per a report by The Lancet, a reputed medical journal, there would be an estimated 14.3% increase in acute malnutrition among children under the age of 5 years in low-and middle-income countries due to Covid-19 related impact on the country. This would particularly be the case in areas such as Shivaji Nagar, Mumbai, which is adjacent to Asia’s second-largest dumping ground and where the average monthly household income in the community is just Rs. 9,417. 

Apnalaya influences nutrition practices and knowledge of both mothers and adolescents. We intensively monitor women through pregnancy and children till the age of 6. We ensure the early identification and treatment of nutritional deficiencies in children. We provide malnourished children with appropriate community-based treatment and build referral channels with government facilities. The cost of treating one child with acute malnutrition is just Rs 330. 

Apnalaya has been working on the issue of malnutrition in Shivaji Nagar since 2010. At present, the project has benefitted 15,848 children and 4,723 women with significant results - the prevalence of underweight children (0-6) has reduced from 59.6% in 2010 to 33% in 2019 and stunting and wasting reduced from 52% and 22% in 2014 to 40% and 12% respectively in 2019. These reductions are accompanied by positive changes in pregnant women’s health and health-seeking behaviour, supporting the assumption that these positive changes will impact the health of their children.  

Our overall goal is to improve the nutritional status of stunted and wasted children under 5 years of age, both girls and boys in M East Ward by improving identification, referral and management of undernourished children and enhancing knowledge and awareness of the community and relevant governmental stakeholders.