Sonam Kapoor to campaign against malnutrition

Mumbai, Aug 26 (IANS) Actress Sonam Kapoor has been roped in to be the Goodwill Ambassador for Fight Hunger Foundation, a NGO dedicated to the fight against malnutrition.

The organisation is active in three states -- Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, where its expert teams diagnose and treat malnourished children, and work with mothers on prevention techniques, which include the promotion of breastfeeding, good hygiene and care practices and providing a nutritious diet.

"Each year, over one million children die from malnutrition-related causes in India. It is inconceivable to me that there are children who do not have access to proper nutrition and clean water. We cannot build a productive and peaceful world on empty stomachs," Sonam said in a statement.

The actress visited one of Fight Hunger Foundation's project sites -- the Medical Nutrition Therapy production unit at Chota Sion Hospital here recently.

During her visit, she met many mothers and malnourished children, and took the time to speak to the dedicated hospital staff to learn more. One of the children she met -- 10-month-old Silvan -- was on the road to recovery after being diagnosed with severe acute malnutrition.

After one week at Sion Hospital, where he was cared for and provided with medicine and therapeutic food to get better, his condition was stable.

"Seeing these children suffer from malnutrition first-hand has been devastating, but it has also made me realise that we can all be doing more to end child deaths from malnutrition, an easily preventable disease. That's why I have decided to pledge to support Fight Hunger Foundation, to help raise awareness," added the 31-year-old actress.

The "Neerja" actress hopes India becomes hunger-free.

"I urge people to come forward and support them in their fight against malnutrition," she said.