“Study Finds Children in Climate-Vulnerable Indian Districts 25% More Likely to Be Underweight”

Climate Vulnerability in India Linked to Higher Child Malnutrition and Poor Maternal Health.

A recent study has found that children in districts of India highly vulnerable to climate change are 25% more likely to be underweight compared to those in less vulnerable areas, highlighting the significant impact of climate risks on public health.

Published in PLOS One, the study notes that districts with high climate vulnerability consistently underperform on key health indicators, including stunting, wasting, and access to healthcare. The research also found a 38% higher likelihood of non-institutional deliveries in these districts.

Researchers from the Institute of Economic Growth, Delhi, analysed data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) and the Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (CRIDA) to assess district-level climate vulnerability. They emphasize that with 80% of India’s population living in areas prone to cyclones, floods, and heatwaves, climate change threatens progress toward several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including child nutrition, maternal health, and access to healthcare.

Other key findings include:

6–14% higher risk of wasting and stunting among children in highly vulnerable districts.

Significant challenges in healthcare access in climate-affected areas.

Climate vulnerability is an independent factor affecting health outcomes, alongside socio-economic conditions and healthcare access.

The study underscores the urgent need for climate-adaptive health interventions in India to safeguard maternal and child health and achieve sustainable development targets amidst increasing climate risks.