Programmatic Approaches for Nutritional Care in India: Addressing the Continuum of Care Perspectives

ABSTRACT

Child health and nutrition is nested within a larger gamut of child care and development, functioning through the health care system.Malnutrition is multidimensional and rooted in poor early childhood care and development that is shaped by environmental, social andeconomic factors. Current nutrition care interventions are marked by a piecemeal approach, focusing on treating malnutrition butoverlooking the need for rehabilitation and care support. Continuum of care (CoC) as an approach aims for a seamless and need-basedcare, bearing an impact on improved care output, beneficiary participation, care experience and access to care. CoC in nutrition care shallcontribute to integration of nutrition and health care services, addressing distal and proximal causes of undernutrition through a gamut ofpreventive, promotive, treatment and rehabilitative care.