Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda today said that addressing the issue of maternal and child malnutrition is high on government agenda. He was speaking at the First Foods Summit in Mumbai organised by the Public Health Department of Maharashtra in association with UNICEF.<br/> <br/>Mr. Nadda said multi-sectoral interventions are needed to rectify the global burden of under nutrition. He said improving infant and young child feeding practices will lead to healthy development of children and improve their chance of survival. <br/><br/>Stating that the first 2 years of a child's life are particularly important, Mr. Nadda said optimal nutrition during this period lowers morbidity and mortality, reduces the risk of chronic disease and fosters better development overall. Delegates from 38 countries, 15 Indian states, food specialists, researchers and delegates UNICEF, World Health Organisation World Food Programme and Food and Agriculture Organisation are expected to attend the 3-day "First Foods" conference. The theme of the summit is "A Global Meeting to Accelerate Progress on Complementary Feeding for Young Children".