Question

The objectives of Poshan Abhyan are to:
A. Reduce prevalence of communicable diseases among children 0‐6 years
B. Reduce low birth weight (LBW)
C. Reduce the prevalence of underweight among women and adolescent girls in the age group of 15‐49 years
D. Reduce the prevalence of anaemia among young children 6 to 59 months
E. Prevent and reduce stunting in children (0‐‐6 years)
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. A, B and D only
• B. A, C and E only
• C. B, C and D only
• D. B, D and E only

Hint:

Remember the annual reduction targets of POSHAN Abhiyaan: \(2\%\) for Stunting, \(2\%\) for Undernutrition, \(3\%\) for Anemia, and \(2\%\) for Low Birth Weight (LBW).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
POSHAN Abhiyaan (National Nutrition Mission) is a flagship multi-ministerial program launched by the Government of India in 20
Its primary goal is to improve nutritional outcomes for children, pregnant women, lactating mothers, and adolescent girls using technology and targeted interventions.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The program specifies clear, measurable targets to reduce key nutritional deficiencies:
- Stunting (E): The program aims to reduce stunting in children aged 0-6 years by \(2\%\) per annum, with a target to bring it down to \(25\%\) by 202
- Anemia (D): It aims to reduce the prevalence of anemia among young children (6 to 59 months), adolescent girls, and women of reproductive age (15-49 years) by \(3\%\) per annum.
- Low Birth Weight (B): It aims to reduce the incidence of low birth weight (LBW) in newborns by \(2\%\) per annum.
Let us evaluate the other options:
- Statement A: Reducing the prevalence of communicable diseases is a general health target, not a specific objective of POSHAN Abhiyaan, which focuses strictly on nutritional interventions.
- Statement C: While undernutrition in women is addressed, the primary target for reducing underweight focuses on children aged 0-6 years, rather than adult women.
Therefore, B, D, and E are the primary objectives of the mission.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The core objectives of POSHAN Abhiyaan are to reduce low birth weight, reduce anemia in young children, and prevent and reduce stunting (B, D and E only).