Every day, more than 6,000 children below the age of five die in India. More than half of these deaths are caused by malnutrition-mainly the lack of Vitamin A, iron, iodine, zinc and folic acid. About 57% of preschoolers and their mothers have subclinical Vitamin A deficiency. Anemia prevalence among children under five years is 69% and among women it is over 55% in a recently concluded national study. With the scientific reality of anemia being a late result of iron deficiency, these data reflect an almost universal iron deficiency in Indian population.

A key issue with malnutrition is that it extends beyond hunger. Malnutrition can manifest in various forms, including micronutrient deficiencies, obesity, and stunting. Individuals who are malnourished are more vulnerable to various illnesses and diseases, reducing their ability to be productive members of society. This results in an ongoing cycle of poverty that can be challenging to break. Therefore, solving malnutrition is a fundamental step in addressing poverty and promoting sustainable development across the globe.