UPSC Relevance
- GS-2: Social Justice (health, education, human resources)
- GS-3: Economy (food security, nutrition)
- GS-4: Ethics (education for societal well-being)
Key Points
- The UN’s Decade of Action on Nutrition (2016-2025) stresses global efforts to combat malnutrition.
- Experts advocate embedding nutrition education in school curricula from pre-school onward.
- This education should cover healthy eating, dietary diversity, and food’s impact on health and the environment.
- Schools can foster lifelong healthy habits to address malnutrition and diet-related diseases.
Detailed Insights
- Poor diets contribute to malnutrition, obesity, and chronic illnesses.
- Early education can empower children to make informed food choices.
- Schools should provide healthy meals, cooking classes, and involve families in nutrition programs.
- A holistic curriculum should link nutrition to sustainability, agriculture, and cultural diversity.
Significance
- Schools play a pivotal role in public health and well-being.
- Early intervention through education can yield long-term benefits.
Analysis & Way Forward
- Governments should integrate nutrition education into school curricula.
- Collaboration across education, health, and agriculture sectors is essential.
- Community campaigns and program evaluations can enhance impact.