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Meghalaya's government considers mandatory HIV/AIDS testing before marriage due to rising cases, aiming to implement measures similar to Goa's policy.

Meghalaya Considers Mandatory HIV Testing Before Marriage

Amid rising HIV cases, Meghalaya may mandate HIV testing before marriage. Health Minister Lyngdoh advocates for measures seen in Goa, focusing on high-incidence areas like East Khasi Hills.

Meghalaya Plans Mandatory HIV Testing Before Marriage

The Meghalaya government is considering compulsory HIV/AIDS testing before marriage due to rising cases. Health Minister Lyngdoh highlights the urgent need for policy similar to Goa's, with special focus on East Khasi Hills and transmission via sexual contact.

The government of Meghalaya is considering the introduction of legislation to make HIV/AIDS testing compulsory before marriage due to the rising number of cases in the state, according to Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh. Meghalaya is currently ranked sixth in the country regarding HIV/AIDS prevalence, with the northeastern region as a whole facing significant challenges, as noted by Lyngdoh. Reflecting on Goa's policy of mandatory testing, Lyngdoh questioned, "If Goa has implemented such a measure, why shouldn't Meghalaya adopt similar legislation?" She believes these laws would be beneficial to the broader community.
The state has expressed its readiness to undertake strong measures. Lyngdoh attended a meeting led by Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, with Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh and eight MLAs from East Khasi Hills district present to design a comprehensive policy on HIV/AIDS as an urgent mission.
The Health Department has been tasked with preparing a cabinet note on this policy. Lyngdoh mentioned that similar meetings would take place in the Garo Hills and Jaintia Hills regions to formulate area-specific approaches, consulting with bureaucrats and medical experts.
She voiced her concern about the increase in cases, disclosing that East Khasi Hills has recorded 3,432 HIV/AIDS cases, with only 1,581 patients currently receiving treatment. "These figures are concerning, especially in East Khasi Hills, and the Jaintia Hills region has unfortunately reported the highest numbers in the state," Lyngdoh stated.
She emphasized that while public awareness is generally sufficient, the critical issue remains enhancing testing and screening efforts. According to her, 159 deaths have occurred due to disruption in Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) in that district. "It's essential we integrate everyone tested positive into the treatment system. HIV/AIDS can be managed effectively, similar to cancer or TB, with proper treatment," she urged.
The primary transmission mode in the state is through sexual contact, Lyngdoh highlighted, adding that drug injection is not yet a major transmission factor due to difficulties in identifying users.
(Only the headline of this report may have been reworked by Editorji; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

UP health department officials are on alert after 36 inmates at a Lucknow district hail were found infected with HIV during a routine blood test

36 prisoners found infected with HIV at Lucknow district jail, administration on alert  

UP health department officials are on alert after 36 inmates at a Lucknow district hail were found infected with HIV during a routine blood test

Around 36 inmates at a Lucknow district jail were found infected with HIV during a routine blood test. The matter came to light when the health department conducted a routine examination of 3,000 prisoners in December 2023, on the orders of the UP AIDS Control Society. Hindustan news outlet reported that officials are making efforts to find out the reasons for the spread of the infection. There were already 11 HIV-positive prisoners, taking the total number of cases to 47.&nbsp;

UNICEF latest report has left everyone shocked. The report revealed that in 2022, 98,000 adolescent girls aged 10-19 were infected with HIV. Read on to know more.

Young girls two times more likely to contract HIV than boys: UNICEF

UNICEF latest report has left everyone shocked. The report revealed that in 2022, 98,000 adolescent girls aged 10-19 were infected with HIV. Read on to know more.

According to the latest report by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), young girls are twice more likely to contract HIV than boys. The report revealed that girls continue to bear the brunt of the HIV epidemic even though the number of infections among girls aged 10-19 has almost halved since 2010. UNICEF's report also revealed that in 2022 nearly 98,000 adolescent girls aged 10-19 were infected with HIV. This amounts to 1,900 new infections every week!
HIV higher among girls than boys, says UNICEF
According to a report in The Washington Post, UNICEF's data was part of an annual snapshot on children and HIV/AIDS. &nbsp;The report suggested that gender inequality, limited access to health care, and a dearth of educational programs put young girls at risk of contracting HIV. &nbsp;It noted that 71 percent of new infections among adolescents (ages 10-19) are among girls.
Anurita Bains, UNICEF associate director of HIV/AIDS spoke about the issue and said, "It is unacceptable that adolescent girls, who should be planning their futures, continue to bear the heaviest burden of HIV infection."
According to the new report, there were 2,70,000 new HIV infections among all children and adolescents between the age of 0 and 19 in 2022 globally. This brings the total number of young people living with HIV to 2.6 million.
Deaths due to HIV
In 2022, 99,000 children and adolescents aged 0-19 years died globally due to AIDS-related causes. The Washington Post also notes that overall, the report indicates that nearly 1 million children and teens with HIV go untreated.
What is HIV?
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the body's immune system. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is the most advanced stage of the disease. There is currently no effective cure.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/lifestyle-news/health/researchers-develop-new-single-shot-vaccine-to-cure-aids-1655465889962">Researchers develop new single-shot vaccine to cure AIDS</a>

World AIDS Day 2022: World AIDS Day is observed every year on December 1, to raise awareness about the deadly epidemic of AIDS.

World AIDS Day 2022: Know theme, history and significance of the day

World AIDS Day is observed every year on December 1, to raise awareness about the deadly epidemic of AIDS.

World AIDS Day 2022: World AIDS Day is observed every year on December 1, to raise awareness about the deadly epidemic.

World AIDS Day is celebrated every year on December 1 to spread awareness about HIV infection. It was initiated by the WHO in August 1987. The theme of <a href="https://www.editorji.com/lifestyle-news/health/world-aids-day-2022-know-theme-history-and-significance-of-the-day-1669621888427">World AIDS Day 2022</a> is 'Equalize.'
HIV remains a major public health issue that affects millions of people worldwide. According to a <a href="https://www.unicef.org/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">UNICEF </a>report, more than 40 million people have lost their lives due to HIV AIDS. In 2021, about 6.5 lakh people died due to HIV infection while around 15 million people got infected with the same.&nbsp;
Talking about its treatment, at present, there is no cure other than anti-retroviral treatment (ART). However, with increasing access to effective HIV prevention, diagnosis and treatment, it has become a manageable chronic health condition, enabling people to live a long and healthy life.
Also watch:<a href="https://www.editorji.com/lifestyle-news/health/researchers-develop-new-single-shot-vaccine-to-cure-aids-1655465889962"> Researchers develop a new single-shot vaccine to cure AIDS&nbsp;</a>

UP: HIV+ woman loses new born after doctors allegedly refused to touch her

UP: HIV+ woman loses newborn after doctors allegedly refused to touch her

Her family alleged that the doctors left their daughter suffering in labour pain for several hours, and it was only after  hospital chief's intervention that the baby was delivered.

Her family alleged that the doctors left their daughter suffering in labour pain for several hours, and it was only after &nbsp;hospital chief's intervention that the baby was delivered.

&nbsp;An HIV positive woman in UP's Firzodabad lost her newborn after doctors of a government hospital allegedly refused to touch her.&nbsp;
Her family alleged that the doctors of left their daughter suffering in labour pain for several hours, and it was only after &nbsp;hospital chief's intervention that the baby was delivered.
The infant, as per an NDTV report, died hours after birth, and the hospital has ordered inquiry into the matter.
The November 21 incident was brought to notice by an NGO associated with National Aids Control Organization. One of the officers from the NGO got the woman admitted at the medical college claiming that none of the doctors operated her for hours, and she was in pain till late evening.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, hospital-in-charge Sangeeta Aneja claimed that the family didn't inform about the woman being an HIV patient.
She also claimed that regular tests were performed on the patient and later when doctors found out about her HIV+ status, they continued to treat her.
Aneja, however, added that action will be taken if anyone is found at fault.
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/noida-doctors-booked-for-negligence-over-covid-19-patient-s-death-1669037364394">Noida doctors booked for 'negligence' over Covid-19 patient's death</a>

Researchers have developed a one-time injection that could cure HIV-AIDS.

HIV treatment: Scientists develop one-time cure for AIDS

 Scientists have developed a new vaccine using gene editing that can cure HIV-AIDS. 

Good News! Researchers develop new vaccine to cure AIDS 

&nbsp;Scientists have developed a new vaccine using gene editing that can cure HIV-AIDS.&nbsp;

A team of researchers from Tel Aviv University have created a new vaccine that can treat HIV-AIDS via gene editing, which might be a game changer in medical science.&nbsp;
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus or HIV assaults the immune system and, if left untreated, can result in Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome AIDS.
Pertinently, there is no cure for HIV/AIDS as of now. However, scientists claim to have found a novel therapy that may destroy the virus with a single injection, perhaps resulting in a significant improvement in the patients' condition. Published in the journal Nature, the study was conducted in collaboration with additional researchers from Israel and the US.
As per the findings, the team achieved preliminary success in neutralising the virus by manipulating type B white blood cells that trigger the immune system to make HIV-neutralising antibodies.&nbsp;
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/mizoram-reports-highest-number-of-aids-patients-in-india-1575456061854">Mizoram reports highest number of AIDS patients in India</a>

A video purportedly showing a government doctor checking an ailing woman on a rickshaw by the roadside instead of providing her a stretcher and admitting her to hospital has gone viral, following which the government has initiated proceedings to terminate him from service.
According to officials, the woman exhibited symptoms of HIV and her son-in-law carried her to the MMG District Hospital here in the rickshaw for anti-retroviral therapy. They were accompanied by the woman's husband and children.
However, Dr Sheel Verma attended to her in the rickshaw itself and referred her to Meerut Medical College. The incident took place on Wednesday, the officials said.
As the video went viral, Deputy Chief Minister Brijesh Pathak ordered Chief Medical Officer Dr Bhavtosh Shankhdhar to get an inquiry conducted into the incident.
Chief Medical Superintendent Manoj Kumar Chaturvedi, who conducted the inquiry on Thursday, said a report seeking Dr Verma's termination has been sent to the government, while ward boy Mayank, who accompanied the doctor, has already been sacked.

Ghaziabad: Video of patient being treated on roadside goes viral, doctor sacked 

According to officials, the woman exhibited symptoms of HIV and her son-in-law carried her to the MMG District Hospital &nbsp;in the rickshaw for anti-retroviral therapy.

A video purportedly showing a government doctor checking an ailing woman on a rickshaw by the roadside instead of providing her a stretcher and admitting her to hospital has gone viral, following which the government has initiated proceedings to terminate him from service.
According to officials, the woman exhibited symptoms of HIV and her son-in-law carried her to the MMG District Hospital here in the rickshaw for anti-retroviral therapy. They were accompanied by the woman's husband and children.
However, Dr Sheel Verma attended to her in the rickshaw itself and referred her to Meerut Medical College. The incident took place on Wednesday, the officials said.
As the video went viral, Deputy Chief Minister Brijesh Pathak ordered Chief Medical Officer Dr Bhavtosh Shankhdhar to get an inquiry conducted into the incident.
Chief Medical Superintendent Manoj Kumar Chaturvedi, who conducted the inquiry on Thursday, said a report seeking Dr Verma's termination has been sent to the government, while ward boy Mayank, who accompanied the doctor, has already been sacked.
Also Watch| <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/monkeypox-samples-of-5-year-old-child-from-up-s-ghaziabad-sent-for-testing-1654337066322" target="_blank">Monkeypox: Samples of 5-year-old child from UP's Ghaziabad sent for testing</a>

Imagine you are at a concert or nightclub, enjoying with your friends. Suddenly, you feel dizzy, develop a headache, and start having hot flashes. Then you realise that there's something on your arm. It's a needle prick. And then, the panic sets in.
This is the harrowing experience hundreds of people in Europe are going through as a spate of needle attacks cause rising panic and worry. The incidents have been occurring in multiple nations - from France to the United Kingdom, and from Belgium to the Netherlands.
The numbers are scary. In France, over 300 complaints have been filed with the police. The UK saw around 1,000 cases in October 2021.
Here's what some victims said.
18-year-old Tomas Laux had gone to a rap concert in Lille, France on May 4. When he came back home, he felt dizzy and had a headache. He also spotted a "strange" skin puncture and bruise on his arm. When he went to the doctor, he was tested for HIV and hepatitis, and the results fortunately came out negative.
ALSO WATCH | Wild party in UK: group crashes one boat, sinks another causing canal blockade, flooding of roads
Another victim was Leanne Desnos, also an 18-year-old. She went to a club in Bordeaux, France in April 2022. The next day, she had a fainting episode, felt dizzy and had hot flashes. She found an injection mark on her arm, and after seeing news of the needle attacks, went to a doctor. Her test results are awaited.
Despite hundreds of complaints, the French police have not arrested any suspect, haven't seized any needles, and the motive is also unclear. This is because many victims have complained of feeling groggy, but infection tests have come out negative. None of the victims have complained of being sexually assaulted.
A few people tested positive for the drug GHB which is used by sexual predators to make their victims unconscious. However, doctors believe that the GHB drug must've been ingested via a drink, as a needle would take a long time to drug someone.
With police failing to make headway, the French government is running awareness campaigns to make sure people at clubs and concerts stay alert.

Scary needle attacks at concerts, clubs in Europe: 300 cases in France, 1,000 complaints in UK

Needle attacks: Despite hundreds of complaints, the French police have not arrested any suspect, haven't seized any needles, and the motive is also unclear.

Imagine you are at a concert or nightclub, enjoying with your friends. Suddenly, you feel dizzy, develop a headache, and start having hot flashes. Then you realise that there's something on your arm. It's a needle prick. And then, the panic sets in.
This is the harrowing experience hundreds of people in Europe are going through as a spate of needle attacks cause rising panic and worry. The incidents have been occurring in multiple nations - from France to the United Kingdom, and from Belgium to the Netherlands.
The numbers are scary. In France, over 300 complaints have been filed with the police. The UK saw around 1,000 cases in October 2021.
Here's what some victims said.
18-year-old Tomas Laux had gone to a rap concert in Lille, France on May 4. When he came back home, he felt dizzy and had a headache. He also spotted a "strange" skin puncture and bruise on his arm. When he went to the doctor, he was tested for HIV and hepatitis, and the results fortunately came out negative.
ALSO WATCH | <a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/wild-party-in-uk-group-crashes-one-boat-sinks-another-causing-canal-blockade-flooding-of-roads-1653317991779" target="_blank">Wild party in UK: group crashes one boat, sinks another causing canal blockade, flooding of roads</a>
Another victim was Leanne Desnos, also an 18-year-old. She went to a club in Bordeaux, France in April 2022. The next day, she had a fainting episode, felt dizzy and had hot flashes. She found an injection mark on her arm, and after seeing news of the needle attacks, went to a doctor. Her test results are awaited.
Despite hundreds of complaints, the French police have not arrested any suspect, haven't seized any needles, and the motive is also unclear. This is because many victims have complained of feeling groggy, but infection tests have come out negative. None of the victims have complained of being sexually assaulted.
A few people tested positive for the drug GHB which is used by sexual predators to make their victims unconscious. However, doctors believe that the GHB drug must've been ingested via a drink, as a needle would take a long time to drug someone.
With police failing to make headway, the French government is running awareness campaigns to make sure people at clubs and concerts stay alert.

A new study found that people with HIV are at a higher risk of developing heart failure than people without HIV.

HIV patients are at higher risk of cardiac arrest: Study

Does HIV increase the risk of cardiac arrest? A new study has some insights to share

According to a new study, an HIV infection is associated with an increased risk of heart failure.

According to a new study published in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings, people with HIV are at a higher risk of developing heart failure and that risk varies by age, gender, race and ethnicity.
Also watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/lifestyle-news/health/eat-this-not-that-aha-s-guide-for-a-heart-healthy-diet-1637835464615">Eat this, not that! AHA's guide for a heart healthy diet</a>
Researchers examined 38,868 participants with HIV for a period of 16 years. During the study, they matched each participant with people who were the same age, gender and race but did not have HIV. Experts observed&nbsp;the people in both groups who had developed heart failure during follow-up.
The study found that people with HIV were 68 percent more likely to develop heart failure than people who did not have HIV. As per the team, people with HIV should be aware of the early signs of heart failure such as shortness of breath, fatigue, leg swelling, coughing and chest pain.
Also watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/lifestyle-news/health/soak-in-some-sunlight-to-keep-your-heart-healthy-1640065372434">Soak in some sunlight to keep your heart healthy&nbsp;</a>

A total of 85 inmates at Nagaon&rsquo;s Central Jail and Special Jail tested HIV positive in September.
Nagaon BP Civil Hospital Superintendent Dr LC Nath said that all inmates are drug induced HIV positive.
According to the Nagaon district health department, most prisoners with the immunodeficiency syndrome are drug addicts and shared a common syringe for injecting contraband drugs.
&nbsp;

85 prisoners contract AIDS in Assam jail 

85 inmates at Nagaon’s Central Jail and Special Jail tested HIV positive in September

HIV&nbsp;outbreak in Assam jails after prisoners share syringe to inject&nbsp;contraband drugs&nbsp;

A total of 85 inmates at Nagaon&rsquo;s Central Jail and Special Jail tested HIV positive in September.
Nagaon BP Civil Hospital Superintendent Dr LC Nath said that all inmates are drug induced HIV positive.
According to the Nagaon district health department, most prisoners with the immunodeficiency syndrome are drug addicts and shared a common syringe for injecting contraband drugs.
&nbsp;

Researchers in South Africa found a 36 year old woman with HIV carried the Covid-19 virus for 216 days and during this period, the virus gathered more than 30 mutations. The case report was published as a preprint in the medical journal medRxiv on June 3.
According to the report, the woman was diagnosed with HIV back in 2006 and her immune system has weakened consistently over time.
After she contracted Covid-19 in September 2020, the virus accumulated 13 mutations to the spike protein and 19 other genetic shifts that could change the behaviour of the virus.
According to the researchers, it was not clear if the woman passed on these mutations to others.
If further studies suggest a strong link between mutation and the spread of Covid-19 virus in HIV patients, it would be a cause of worry for India as it has almost 1 million people with untreated HIV infections.

Woman carries 'Covid infection for 216 days, develops 32 virus mutations'

Woman carries Covid infection for 216 days, develops 32 virus mutations

Researchers in South Africa found a 36 year old woman with HIV carried the Covid-19 virus for 216 days and during this period, the virus gathered more than 30 mutations. The case report was published as a preprint in the medical journal medRxiv on June 3.
According to the report, the woman was diagnosed with HIV back in 2006 and her immune system has weakened consistently over time.
After she contracted Covid-19 in September 2020, the virus accumulated 13 mutations to the spike protein and 19 other genetic shifts that could change the behaviour of the virus.
According to the researchers, it was not clear if the woman passed on these mutations to others.
If further studies suggest a strong link between mutation and the spread of Covid-19 virus in HIV patients, it would be a cause of worry for India as it has almost 1 million people with untreated HIV infections.

American actor Billy Porter has revealed that he has been living with HIV for 14 years now.&nbsp;The US star was diagnosed in 2007 but said he had since 'lived with that shame in silence'.
He said he was making his condition public now because it's time to grow up and move on. He added that shame is destructive and if not dealt with, and it can destroy everything in its path.&nbsp;
The 51-year-old actor, who who made history by winning an Emmy in 2019 for his role as 'Pray Tell', a character who is HIV-positive, on the acclaimed FX series 'Pose', said he used the part as a 'surrogate' to tell his real-life story.

Billy Porter breaks silence after 14 years, says he is HIV-positive

'Pose' star Billy Porter has spoken out for the first time about being HIV-positive, after being diagnosed 14 years ago

Billy Porter says he has been been living with HIV for 14 years
Used my&nbsp;HIV +ve character in 'Pose' as a proxy, says actor
Billy Porter known for Emmy-winning role in FX series 'Pose'

American actor Billy Porter has revealed that he has been living with HIV for 14 years now.&nbsp;The US star was diagnosed in 2007 but said he had since 'lived with that shame in silence'.
He said he was making his condition public now because it's time to grow up and move on. He added that shame is destructive and if not dealt with, and it can destroy everything in its path.&nbsp;
The 51-year-old actor, who who made history by winning an Emmy in 2019 for his role as 'Pray Tell', a character who is HIV-positive, on the acclaimed FX series 'Pose', said he used the part as a 'surrogate' to tell his real-life story.

A child or a young person under 20 years was newly infected with HIV atleast once every 100 seconds last year, a new UNICEF report has revealed.
This brings the total number of children living with the disease globally to 2.8 million, the UN body said, adding that close to 320,000 children and adolescents were newly infected with HIV and 110,000 children died of AIDS last year.
The total number of children in the 0-9 age group living with HIV has risen to 1.1 million while the number of adolescents has risen to 1.7 million.
The report calls on stakeholders to maintain health services to fight the battle, which has become tougher amid the pandemic.

A child, youth under 20 infected with HIV every 100 secs in 2019: UN

A child or a youth under 20 was infected with HIV every 100 seconds&nbsp;in 2019, a UNICEF&nbsp;report has revealed

A child or a young person under 20 years was newly infected with HIV at least once every 100 seconds last year, a new UNICEF report has revealed.
This brings the total number of children living with the disease globally to 2.8 million, the UN body said, adding that close to 3.2 lakh&nbsp;children and adolescents were newly infected with HIV and 1.1 lakh&nbsp;children died of AIDS last year.
The total number of children in the 0-9 age group living with HIV has risen to 1.1 million while the number of adolescents has risen to 1.7 million, the UN said.
The report calls on stakeholders to maintain health services to fight the battle, which has become tougher amid the pandemic.

Experts welcome India's child mortality rate decline, more to be done

UN report says&nbsp;India's child mortality rate has declined substantially in the period between 1990 and 2019

India's child mortality rate has declined substantially between 1990 and 2019, according to a new UN report. The country registered a 4.5 per cent annual rate of reduction in under-five mortality between 1990-2019. The number of under-five deaths in India dropped from around 34 lakh&nbsp;in 1990 to 8,24,000 in 2019.
Welcoming the decline, healthcare experts have advised that the number can be further brought down by providing quality essential health and nutrition services to every newborn.
'Improving the quality of foods, feeding practices, and the nutrition situation of children in the first two years of life, represents a critical window of opportunity to break the intergenerational cycle of malnutrition,'&nbsp;Sujeet Ranjan, executive director at Coalition for Food and Nutrition Security said.

New Delhi, PTI:&nbsp;
Welcoming the decline in India's child mortality rate between 1990 and 2019, healthcare experts have advised that the number can be further brought down by providing quality essential health and nutrition services to every newborn. India's child mortality rate has declined substantially between 1990 and 2019, according to a new UN report. The country registered a 4.5 per cent annual rate of reduction in under-five mortality between 1990-2019. The number of under-five deaths in India dropped from 3.4 million in 1990 to 8,24,000 in 2019.
The infant mortality rate (deaths per 1,000 live births) in India declined from 89 in 1990 to 28 last year, with the country registering 6,79,000 infant deaths last year, a significant decline from 2.4 million infant deaths in 1990.
The country also witnessed a decrease in neonatal mortality rate between 1990 and 2019 from 57 to 22 - 1.5 million neonatal deaths in 1990 to 5,22,000 deaths in 2019.
Healthcare experts have welcomed the drop, attributing it to political will and commitment and evidence based policy and programming decisions&nbsp;prioritising newborn and child health.
Sujeet Ranjan, executive director at Coalition for Food and Nutrition Security (CFNS) said although the global number of newborn deaths declined from 5 million in 1990 to 2.4 million in 2019, children face the greatest risk of death in the first 28 days of life.
"Protecting the progress made on nutrition in India will, therefore, require continued leadership, attention, financing and commitment at all levels and across society," Ranjan said.
"There is no time to lose because women are pregnant today, babies are being born every single day and many more, including adolescents, are in sensitive periods of physical and mental development," Ranjan said.
Noting that COVID-19 is likely to be there for a long time, he said a plan needs to be made keeping that in mind.
"Improving the quality of foods, feeding practices, and the nutrition situation of children in the first two years of life, represent a critical window of opportunity to break the intergenerational cycle of malnutrition," he said.
If this critical opportunity is missed, child malnutrition will continue to self-perpetuate, malnourished girls will become malnourished women, who give birth to low birth weight infants, who suffer from poor nutrition in the first two years of life, he added.
"The best opportunity to break this vicious inter-generational cycle is to concentrate efforts on improving the nutrition of infants and young children from conception through the first two years of life," Ranjan said.
Ketan Bharadva, president at Infant Young Child Feeding (IYCF) Chapter of Indian Academy of Paediatrics, said at present, India has the largest population of children (less than 14 years) worldwide which is a factor in large number of mortality figures as proportions of world wide figures comparison.
"Focus on child health prior to the eighties was mainly on infectious diseases, particularly the vaccine preventable diseases (like tuberculosis, polio, measles); diarrhea and malnutrition. With improving medical care, vaccine coverage, sanitation, potable water the childhood infections are reducing remarkably in the last two decades," he said. &nbsp; Bharadva said malnutrition in children is a well known risk factor for many diseases such as diarrhea, measles, pneumonia, HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria.
"It was a major contributor to mortality in children less than 5 years of age in every state of India in 2017, accounting for 68 per cent deaths. Still it remains a big challenge. Awareness on nutrition, education, supportive programmes to promote breastfeeding and complementary feeding are the key to tackling malnutrition," Bharadva said.
Sebanti Ghosh, country programme director at Alive and Thrive said neonatal mortality was a key contributor to the child mortality.
India prioritised delivery of quality care at birth in public health facilities, early essential newborn care including home based newborn care through ASHA workers and multi-tiered facility based newborn care including state of the art care at Sick Newborn Care Units in the public health system to address the needs of preterm/low birth weight and sick neonates, Ghosh said.
The current progress in decline has to be consolidated while accelerating the coverage of essential newborn and child health and nutrition services at scale with quality and in equitable manner through both home/community based platforms and facility based platforms, Ghosh said.
"The interstate and intra state disparities along with socio-cultural and economic inequities must be addressed in ensuring reach of all the essential health &amp; nutrition services with quality to every newborn," Ghosh said.

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