Advancing paediatric nutrition: interdisciplinary perspectives from the clinic to the community – symposium proceedings

Abstract Paediatric nutrition directly influences survival, clinical outcomes, and long-term health, and is particularly of significance in India with one of the world’s largest child populations. This symposium, hosted by St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences as part of an ICMR-funded Centre for Advanced Research initiative, convened national and international experts spanning from clinical nutrition and public health. Day 1 focused on the management of intestinal failure and the life-saving role of parenteral and enteral nutrition, highlighting global best practices, surgical advances, and the need to strengthen multidisciplinary nutrition support teams in India. Day 2 shifted to maternal and child nutrition at the community level, addressing breastfeeding challenges, complementary feeding, stunting, and government program strategies. Together, the sessions underscored that nutrition for vulnerable children requires continuous care supported by technology, coordinated systems, and policy. The symposium laid the foundation for sustained annual engagement to strengthen paediatric nutrition systems in India.