Government of India signed a loan deal worth $ 200 million with the World Bank for the National Nutrition Mission (POSHAN Abhiyaan). This loan will help India to reach its goal of reducing stunting in children of the age 0-6 years from 38.4% to 25% by 2022. The POSHAN (PM's Overarching Scheme for Holistic Nourishment) Abhiyaan was launched by Prime Minister on 8th March 2018 at Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan. POSHAN Abhiyaan's main objective is gradual increase of the interventions supported by the World Bank assisted Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Systems Strengthening and Nutrition Improvement Project (ISSNIP) to all districts in India for a 3-year period. This loan will support the first phase scale up to 315 districts and union territories (UTs) in India. The coverage and quality of ICDS nutrition services for pregnant and lactating women and children under 3 years of age will be improved. The project will also ensure convergence of all nutrition related schemes and offer performance based incentives to states and community nutrition and health workers, with focus on results.

India signs 200 million US Dollar Loan Deal with World Bank for the National Nutrition Mission (POSHAN Abhiyaan).
- Background:
India has been facing a severe malnutrition crisis, with a large number of children and women suffering from malnutrition-related issues. In order to address this pressing issue, the Government of India launched the National Nutrition Mission, also known as POSHAN Abhiyaan, in 2018.
- Loan Deal:
Recently, India signed a 200 million US Dollar loan agreement with the World Bank to support the National Nutrition Mission. The loan will help in strengthening the government's efforts to improve the nutritional outcomes for children and women in the country.
- Objectives:
The main objectives of the National Nutrition Mission include reducing stunting, undernutrition, anemia, and low birth weight in children, as well as reducing the prevalence of anemia among young children, adolescent girls, and women.
- Utilization of Funds:
The funds from the loan deal will be utilized for various activities under the National Nutrition Mission, such as providing supplementary nutrition, promoting behavioral change, strengthening monitoring and evaluation systems, and improving the capacity of stakeholders involved in nutrition-related programs.
- Impact:
The loan agreement is expected to have a significant impact on the nutritional status of children and women in India. By supporting the National Nutrition Mission, the World Bank aims to contribute to the overall development and well-being of the population, especially the most vulnerable groups.
In conclusion, the 200 million US Dollar loan deal between India and the World Bank for the National Nutrition Mission is a crucial step towards addressing the malnutrition crisis in the country and improving the health and well-being of children and women.