Multisectoral Convergence of Food, Nutrition and Sanitation Programs for Child Health: Evidence From Country-Level Programs in India
Abstract
This paper underscores the critical role of multisectoral convergence in enhancing child health, particularly in addressing anemia, a micronutrient deficiency linked to both diet and sanitation. We explore how the integration of nationwide food and nutrition programs with sanitation initiatives impacts anemia in Indian children under three. Our findings reveal that children benefiting from both interventions had significantly higher hemoglobin levels (by 0.08 g/dL or more) than those without. Such a policy convergence is key to reducing anemia and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals for improved nutrition and sanitation. We estimate that it could potentially transition 2130–6711 children out of anemia. Our results are consistent across wealth and place of residence, and robust to changes in model specifications.