Implementation of Double-Duty Actions to Counter the Public Health Challenge of Double Malnutrition

Abstract

Malnutrition has been observed in various forms ranging from under-nutrition to overweight and obesity. Even though, the overall estimates reflect a decline in the incidence of stunted children, the overall progress towards ending all forms of malnutrition is not on the right track. It is important to realize that a simultaneous rise in the incidence of both under-nutrition and overweight has been observed. This is predominantly because of the similar biological, environmental and socioeconomic factors that together contribute to the rise in the risk or prevalence of both forms of malnutrition. From a policy makers’ perspective, the presence of a similar kind of factors which determine the incidence of both spectrums of malnutrition, implementation of integrated actions, policies and programs, can significantly deal with the global challenge of combating with all forms of malnutrition can be accomplished. To conclude, owing to the rising trend of the double malnutrition in different parts of the world, there is a great need to implement double-duty actions to respond to various forms of malnutrition.