COMMUNITY NUTRITION 3 (1+2)

Lesson 13 : Role of National Agencies in Combating Malnutrition

National Institute of Nutrition (NIN)

The National Institute of Nutrition located at Hyderabad is one of the esteemed research institute of the Indian Council of Medical Research.

Objectives:

1. To identify various dietary and nutrition problems prevalent among different segments of the population and continuously monitor diet and nutrition situation of the country.
2. To evolve suitable methods of prevention and control of nutrition problems through research, keeping the existing economic, social and administration set up in view.
3. To conduct operational research to pave the way for planning and implementation of national nutrition programmes.
4. To investigate nutritional deficiencies, nutrient interactions and food toxicities at basic level for understanding the biochemical mechanism involved.
5. To provide training and orientation in nutrition to key health professionals.
6. To disseminate authentic health and nutrition information through appropriate extension activities.
7. To integrate the institutes research programmes with other health agricultural and economic programmes as envisaged by the Government.
8. To advise governments and other organizations on problems of nutrition.

The Institutes activities can be broadly categorized under four major heads.

• Clinical Studies: Conducting clinical studies. The clinical aspects of the Institutes work are carried out mostly in the three major teaching hospitals in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderbad.
• Laboratory Studies: The institute has excellent facilities for undertaking of studies in biochemistry, food chemistry, pathology, immunology, hematology, microbiology, endocrinology, physiology and toxicology. Excellent facilities exist for laboratory animal breeding and experimentation.
• Community Studies: Investigations in community nutrition and operational research are carried out in many state. The Institute collaborates with the state and central Governments and international agencies in planning and conducting diet and nutrition surveys evaluating ongoing nutrition programmes and conducting studies on socio-cultural aspects of nutrition.


• Along with research work, teaching and training activities are also given priority. The institute has been recognized as a centre for research lending to Ph.D and M.D degrees by many Indian Universities. The Institute has been recognized by WHO as a center for advanced training in health and nutrition.
  
  Publications are brought out on specific themes of importance to major target groups like auxiliary health workers, teachers, woman and children.