With the intent to contain the spread of COVID-19, a nation-wide lockdown starting March 25th, 2020 was announced. The lockdown brought as much as 70 per cent of economic activity, investment, exports and discretionary consumption to a standstill. This may have helped limiting the health crisis but has posed a greater risk to the already grim economy of the country. The situation has added to the miseries of the poor especially the migrant workers, with massive job losses and rising food insecurity.
VHAI hosted a webinar on ‘Addressing Food & Nutrition Security Challenges due to COVID-19 Lockdown in India’ on 1st May 2020. The agenda of the webinar was to address the key challenges faced in the food and nutrition security of India due to the lockdown, the efforts of the government and the reality at the grassroots by bringing forth various key stakeholders involved in tackling the situation on the ground.
Dr. Chandrakant S Pandav, Dr. Sheila Vir and Dr. R.M. Dubey participated in the webinar along with other renowned public health experts from across India. The key challenges and recommendations which emerged out of the session will be further shared with the concerned ministers and officials for vital measures.