India has the second worst rate of child malnutrition in the world, just
behind Bangladesh. Low birth weight and child malnutrition are the
primary determinants of ill-health and diminished capacity throughout
life. When children are born malnourished and underweight, they are at
severe risk in all areas of personal development, health and mental
capacity. They are physically weak and lack resistance to disease. They
face a lifetime of disabilities, a lowered capacity for learning and
diminished productivity.
