South Asian experts discuss ‘hidden hunger’ and effects on infant brain development

South Asian experts have gathered for a two-day conference in Delhi, concluding on Friday, to discuss hidden hunger among mothers and its impact on infant brain development at the Sitaram Bhartia Institute of Science and Research.

Scientists and public health experts from India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, along with representatives from UNICEF and WHO, came together on a common platform under the SACMIND Stakeholders Meeting.

For two days, health experts and policymakers deliberated on how micronutrient deficiencies in pregnant women are affecting the neurodevelopment of children worldwide. The focus was on understanding what various national surveys from these five South Asian countries reveal and identifying actionable steps to ensure healthier newborns.

Discussions also centred on what measures have been taken so far to address specific micronutrient deficiencies among pregnant women, and how effective those efforts have been in improving outcomes.

Speaking at the meeting, Dr. Vani Sethi from UNICEF said, “In South Asia, 40% of children are born with low birth weight. Maternal micronutrients during pregnancy play a key role in improving birth weight and pregnancy outcomes. While there are programs addressing anemia, there is a need to review and expand programmes to tackle all micronutrient deficiencies, particularly B 12 and Vitamin D, and to study the role of micronutrient malnutrition in neurodevelopment outcomes. These ongoing studies and initiatives aim to bridge the knowledge gap in policy and programs linking micronutrients nutrition in pregnancy with children’s neurodevelopment and inform future policy improvements.”

Jitender Nagpal, Principal Investigator of SACMIND and Deputy Medical Director at Sitaram Bhartia Institute, highlighted that around 30 million women experience pregnancy every year in India, yet there has been no comprehensive national survey to assess micronutrient deficiencies in them.

He emphasized the need to strengthen surveillance systems for maternal nutrition, ensuring data-driven policymaking and action plans. Dr. Nagpal added that attention must be given to prevent deficiencies of key micronutrients such as B12 and Vitamin D during pregnancy to safeguard the health and development of newborns.