The Asian enigma.

This article discusses the disparity between the extent in child malnutrition in South Asia compared to sub-Saharan Africa. The aim is to challenge South Asian countries to improve child health through some measures suggested in this article. There should be no complacency regarding sub-Saharan malnutrition which is much lower than in South Asia. The proportion of malnourished children is rising due to structural adjustment programs rising poverty deteriorating infrastructure and AIDS. South Asia currently has the worst child nutritional levels in the world due to gender inequalities. Progress will be manifested for women in 1) better health education nutrition; 2) reduced incidence of low birth weight; 3) improved access to basic services; and 4) increasing control over fertility. Child malnutrition can be treated by addressing the aforementioned four development goals. The most powerful intervention is the education of girls. The issue of malnutrition should not be moved from the agenda of welfare to the agenda of rights. The agenda of womens rights and status improvement is a priority for solving child malnutrition and is an end itself. The "rights" approach is appropriate because it views the poor as key actors in the development process. Community awareness and understanding is necessary for change. Knowledge of the nutritional causes of malnutrition must be integrated into policy decisions. Dietary intake and adequate health are particularly important in the first 2 years of life. Most feeding programs target older children. Information must be disseminated about how best to feed a growing child and how to prevent and manage childhood illness in order to promote normal growth. Communities need access to safe water safe sanitation and primary health care. Confidence and support are needed to translate public health measures and information into a reduced disease burden.