dietary diversification and modification, horticulture interventions e.g., home gardening, nutrition and health education, food fortification. Nutrient-based or medicinal approach : In this approach nutrient supplements are given to vulnerable groups i.e., those who are at risk of deficiency and those who have deficiency. It is a short term strategy particularly used for vitamin A, iron and folic acid in India. Supplementation programmes are often expensive and there may be problems of coverage.
Key target groups are different for various nutrients. Table . compares the two approaches. It must be remembered that the long-term goal should be to shift away from supplementation towards food-based approaches.
Providing nutritious food Source: SIGHT and LIFE, Basel, Switzerland Yellow, green & orange fruits and vegetables are good source of Vitamin A Weighing of a Child Counselling with mothers Child with Vitamin A deficiency Source: SIGHT and LIFE, Basel, Switzerland Vitamin A deficiency picture of eye Iron and Folic acid drops Table . : Different Interventions for Tackling Malnutrition Intervention Appropriate for Advantages Challenges/ Disadvantages