Tribal ministry to work with GAIN to tackle malnutrition

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs is considering collaboration with GAIN (Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition) to tackle the problem of malnutrition among tribals and dalits in a mission mode in the country.
Marc Van Ameringen, Executive Director of GAIN today called on Union Minister Jual Oram and discussed about malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies being prevalent among the most disadvantaged and excluded groups in India with a special focus on tribals and dalits.
The Minister expressed his willingness to visit GAIN programs in the field and gain first hand knowledge about various approaches.
"I am quite serious about malnutrition of the excluded population specifically tribals and dalits. It needs an integrated approach and in partnership with other relevant Ministries, we can work together in a mission mode," Oram said.

Ameringen shared GAIN's innovative models of building alliances between governments, businesses, civil society and community groups and how it has proven successful in finding and delivering solutions to the complex problem of malnutrition.
He said GAIN and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs can together provide many models and solutions in the fight against malnutrition.

"I am happy to see that the Government of India is taking many pragmatic and proactive steps to tackle malnutrition. These will yield positive outcomes for present and future generation," Ameringen said.
Both sides have agreed upon that coordinated actions can bring positive changes in the nutrition status of excluded population.

GAIN is an international organization which was launched at the UN in the year 2002 to tackle the human sufferings caused by malnutrition.