Topic: 2026 – Combating Malnutrition
Country: India
Delegate Name: Bryan Oh
The Republic of India views child malnutrition as an urgent issue that needs to be addressed, as it continues to limit the health, development, and future opportunities of millions of children worldwide. Malnutrition is a major humanitarian issue and a challenge that affects education and health. As a country with nearly 500 million individuals under 18, India recognizes the necessity to address this issue both nationally and through international cooperation with UNICEF.
In India, malnutrition is mostly due to economic inequality, substandard food quality, and inadequate access to nutritious food. Children in low-income areas are struggling to access nutritious food and even basic health services. Poor sanitation and limited access to clean drinking water have also contributed to poor nutrition. Additionally, climate change has increased agricultural productivity as more frequent droughts, floods, and other extreme weather events have made it difficult for families to have nutritious, stable diets.
The Indian government has made efforts to reduce child malnutrition and has cooperated with UNICEF in implementing several nutrition programs. This includes the Integrated Child Development Services, POSHAN Abhiyaan, and the Mid-Day Meal Scheme focused on improving nutrition for children and mothers. Through its cooperation, India has improved nutrition awareness and increased data collection to better understand regional inequalities.
India believes that addressing malnutrition is extremely important to protecting children’s rights. Every child should be able to have access to quality and sufficient nutrition. To further address this issue, India supports solutions that include nutritional support, such as improving local food systems and increasing access to fortified and therapeutic foods. UNICEF has an important role in supporting these efforts by providing support. With international cooperation, India believes all children can have access to proper nutrition.
