This original research paper analyses the gaps between the reach of health platforms and the actual coverage of essential nutrition interventions in India during the critical first 1,000 days of life. By using NFHS-3 and NFHS-4 datasets, the study identifies persistent "opportunity gaps"—instances where service platforms exist but nutrition interventions fail to reach intended beneficiaries. It reveals disparities based on socio-economic status, education, and geography, and notes improvements in coverage but with persistent inequality and inefficiency.
The paper recommends targeted improvements to bridge these gaps, including enhanced policy execution, better integration of services, and focused investments in health systems. It emphasizes that equitable and universal coverage of interventions such as iron-folic acid supplementation, breastfeeding support, and food supplementation is necessary to address undernutrition and improve child health outcomes in India.
Resource type:
Reports and discussion papers