Kolkata, March 12 (IANS) Ignoring climate change could exacerbate nutrition deficiency disorders in South Asia, particularly in women and children, experts said on Thursday.
Climate change effects impact agriculture and food production which in turn influence nutrition levels and health in vulnerable communities such as women and children.
"Ignoring climate change could increase micronutrient deficiency disorders in the region and women and children are the most vulnerable in this context," Basanta Kumar Kar, senior advisor- policy and advocacy (South and South East Asia) at GAIN (Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition) told IANS here.
In South Asia, 46 percent women of reproductive age are anaemic and inadequate micronutrients (like iron and Vitamin D) are believed to be the main cause for the condition, said Kar.
"In addition, deficiency of zinc is linked to stunting (low height-for-age) in girls and this is associated with subsequent maternal mortality and low birth weight.
"Climate change is implicated in disasters like floods, landslides which reduce soil nutrients, quality. This affects the levels of nutrients in food crops and consumers do not get the required nutrients," Kar said.
He was citing an abstract that was released at the third sub-regional workshop on community resilience to climate change in Bay of Bengal organised by World Vision India here.
Echoing Kar, climate change expert Saroj Dash said that in the Bay of Bengal region, one can find under-nourished and over-weight children in the same family.
"For example, in Sunderbans in India and Bangladesh, the salinity levels have gone up due to climate change. This has impacted the food security as well as nutrition in women and children, especially their reproductive ability," said Dash, regional technical co-ordinator, climate change, Concern Worldwide, an international humanitarian organisation.
Malnutrition is gradually being recognised as a "silent emergency" and improving nutrition could also empower women and make them climate-resilient, they advocated.
Indian Railways / IRCTC News: Now tickets will be deducted from counters as well, know the new rules of railways
Shramik special trains, Train list, Train news, Ticket Booking: Railways have changed the rules for online booking of tickets in view of frequent stoppage of IRCTC website and large number of
Gautam Adani: Lost 69 thousand crore rupees in three days, Asia's second-richest person is no more
Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani has now been stripped of the crown of Asia's second-richest person. He has been replaced by Chinese businessman Zhong Shanshan (net worth - $ 69.3 billion). Shares of
Nagpur violence: Curfew was imposed in 11 areas, and 33 policemen including three DCPs injured; Fadnavis said - the violence was pre-planned
Curfew has been imposed in 11 police station areas of Nagpur after violence erupted due to agitation over the removal of Mughal ruler Aurangzeb's grave. 33 policemen including three Deputy
Houthi: US-UK's major air attack on Houthi rebels in Yemen, tension may increase in West Asia
America and Britain have taken major action against Houthi rebels targeting merchant ships in the Red Sea. The armies of both countries have carried out air strikes on the positions of Houthi rebels
National Doctors Day 2023: With which theme National Doctors Day is being celebrated this time, know its history
National Doctors Day 2023: Like every year, National Doctor's Day is being celebrated across the country. This day is celebrated to express respect and gratitude towards the doctors who save lives.
Covid-19: JN.1 variant is increasing problems across the world, infectious disease expert makes 'scary claim'
Corona is once again seen growing rapidly globally. Studies show that there is a continuous mutation in the virus, resulting from this, the new sub-variant JN.1 of Omicron is once again increasing the
High profile stars were partying in the Corona era, Mumbai police raided and ran through the back door
Mumbai: Because of the increasing threat of Corona, the Maharashtra government has announced a night curfew. Some stars of cinema and sports were partying in a club in Mumbai in violation of this
PM Modi: On World Wildlife Day, PM Modi enjoyed a jungle safari, and will also preside over the meeting of NBWL
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a visit to Gujarat. On the occasion of World Wildlife Day on Monday, PM Modi enjoyed a jungle safari in Gir National Park located in Junagadh district. PM Modi
Elon Musk will resign as CEO of Twitter! Asked opinions from people by tweeting, said - I will do as I say
After making a series of policy changes on Twitter in the last few days, Twitter CEO Elon Musk has asked a question about resigning from the post of CEO of Twitter. Musk has started a poll on the
Modi government gives emergency approval to another weapon against Corona, the Russian vaccine Sputnik V
The country has found another weapon to fight the epidemic amid Corona's record cases. The central government has also given emergency approval to the Russian Corona Vaccine Sputnik V. With this, now
