India, Pakistan and Bangladesh account for child malnutrition rates that are higher than in sub-Saharan Africa. This is directly related to discrimination against women in south Asia. The focus of all interventions has to be on improving the health status of women generally and as far as the infant is concerned, targeting most interventions in the first three years of life. Additionally, universal school feeding programmes will ensure that a poor family is saved the cost of at least one square meal for its children. Finally rapid action is needed so that access to safe water and sanitation is extended to the entire population