Paper short abstract:

Though the government has undertaken several programs, the problem of malnutrition among the children in tribal communities remains critical and that should be reduced.

Paper long abstract:

Child ill-health and Malnutrition is widely prevalent problem in India and one of the astonishing magnitudes. According to UNICEF statistics 47% of Indian Children under age five years are categorized as moderately or severely malnourished. This problem is more intensive among tribal children due to their low socio-economic status and social isolation, become highly vulnerable in this regard. The present study aims at to discuss the levels of malnutrition among tribal children and to give the possible solutions to reduce malnutrition. The study is based on the primary as well as secondary sources of data from Warangal district of Andhra Pradesh. The study finds that the development of the economy has adversely affected the quality of life of the tribal people, children are no exception. The main factors affecting health and nutritional status of tribal children are poverty, dependence on forest, primitive deliveries, inadequate breast feeding, and inaccessible habitation, inferior quality of food and non-availability of regular health services. Malnutrition not only retards physical development but also hampers the learning and cognitive process.