Fri Jul 04 13:37:50 UTC 2025: ## News Article: National Workshop Addresses “Hidden Hunger” Crisis in India
**Mysuru, India – July 4, 2025** – A national workshop focusing on combating micronutrient deficiencies, often referred to as “hidden hunger,” commenced in Mysuru, India, today. Organized by the CSIR-CFTRI, the Innovation Hub for Rice Fortification, and the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, the workshop aims to evaluate progress in addressing widespread deficiencies in vital nutrients like iron, Vitamin A, and Vitamin D.
The workshop highlighted alarming statistics from the Global Burden of Disease 2021, revealing that anaemia affects 24.3% of the global population, with iron deficiency as the primary driver. In India, iron deficiency is estimated to contribute to 12 million Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs).
National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5, 2019-21) data indicates that 59% of women aged 15-49 and 67% of children aged 6-59 months in India are anaemic. Further, a Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey (CNNS, 2016-18) found that 50-70% of anaemia cases stem from deficiencies in iron, folate (B9), and Vitamin B12. Vitamin A and D deficiencies also present a significant challenge, with CNNS data revealing that 61% of children under five lack adequate Vitamin A, and 50% of children aged one to four are deficient in Vitamin D.
The workshop brings together experts and stakeholders to discuss strategies and initiatives to combat these nutritional deficiencies and improve public health outcomes in India. The focus includes exploring rice fortification and other interventions to ensure adequate micronutrient intake across the population.
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