The policy brief on “Anticipating Vulnerability of Malnourished Young Children to Covid-19 and Taking Corrective Steps ” has been developed by CTARA IIT Bombay, the knowledge partner of the Coalition for Food and Nutrition Security (CFNS). 

While vulnerability of elderly population in the context of Covid-19 has attracted attention of both policy and academic circles, the same cannot be said in respect of young children. Yet, children under 5 years of age and infants are likely to be vulnerable to Covid-19, particularly those suffering from acute respiratory infection (ARI) and malnutrition. Children in developed nations or in nations with low Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) are unlikely to face this twin condition. However, this will definitely be a problem in India where diarrhoea and ARI are the major causes of child mortality (Lancet Global Health 2019) with 35% stunting and 17% wasting among children aged 0-4 years (CNNS 2019). It stands to reason, that ARI will be a potent co-morbidity that will render these children vulnerable to Covid-19, hence should not lead to compliance.

Please find the link to the full policy brief here:  http://www.iitbnutritiongroup.in/anticipating-vulnerability-of-malnourished-young-children-to-covid-19-and-taking-corrective-steps