The United Nations Statistical Commission has officially adopted a new Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) indicator focused on Minimum Dietary Diversity (MDD). This development aims to enhance the monitoring of diet quality globally, contributing to the efforts to end malnutrition and achieve SDG 2 (Zero Hunger).
Custodianship: The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have assumed joint custodianship of this indicator. FAO will oversee the Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women (MDD-W), while UNICEF will manage the Minimum Dietary Diversity for Children (MDD-C).
Measurement Focus: The MDD-W indicator assesses whether women aged 15 to 49 have consumed at least five out of ten defined food groups in the previous 24 hours. These food groups include:
Grains, white roots and tubers, and plantains
Pulses (beans, peas, and lentils)
Nuts and seeds
Milk and milk products
Meat, poultry, and fish
Eggs
Dark green leafy vegetables
Other vitamin A-rich fruits and vegetables
Other vegetables
Other fruits
A higher proportion of women meeting this threshold indicates better dietary diversity and nutrient adequacy within the population.
Significance: Introducing this indicator marks the first time a measure of diet quality has been incorporated into SDG monitoring. This advancement allows for more effective formulation of evidence-based strategies to improve nutrition and health outcomes through diet-related interventions.
Status of MDDF (minimum dietary diversity failure) in India (For Year 2019-21)
Regional Disparities: Central region of India, particularly Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh, has over 80% of children with MDDF.
Age Impact on MDDF: 77% children in India aged 6-23 months lacking minimum dietary diversity. Vulnerable Sections: Children from Other Backward Classes have the highest MDDF (79%), followed by Scheduled Castes (77.2%) and Scheduled Tribes (76%)
FAQs
What is the Minimum Dietary Diversity (MDD) Indicator?
MDD is a measure that assesses whether a person, particularly a woman or child, is consuming a diverse and nutritionally adequate diet. Dietary diversity is a key factor in determining nutrition levels, food security, and overall health.
The new indicator has been adopted under SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and is a first-of-its-kind measure to assess diet quality globally.
Who Are the Custodians of the MDD Indicator?
Two United Nations agencies are responsible for monitoring and reporting the MDD indicator:
- Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO): Responsible for the Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women (MDD-W) indicator.
- United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF): Responsible for the Minimum Dietary Diversity for Children (MDD-C) indicator.