Actor Aamir Khan is one of those rare Bollywood actors who are in news not just for their movies but also for their social awareness programs.

The actor, who is UNICEF brand ambassador for malnutrition, is currently a part of the nationwide campaign to raise awareness about malnutrition, which is more widespread in India than Sub-Saharan Africa.

The actor has launched the malnutrition awareness campaign through various advertisements and numerous short films.

“He has shot 40 films in 18 languages," said Caroline Dendulk, chief of communications in UNICEF on Sunday.

“One in every three malnourished children in the world lives in India,” she added.

Malnutrition is a state of physical weakness often caused by hunger and lack of quality food with necessary nutrients and vitamins required for a healthy body and normal growth of the child.

According to the UNICEF, malnutrition is also influenced by lack of access to health services, quality care of the child and pregnant mother as well as good hygiene practices.

“Malnutrition limits development and the capacity to learn in children. About 50 percent of all childhood deaths are attributed to malnutrition,” said health experts.

According to research, in India, round 46 percent of children less than three years of age are shorter than the average child of the same age and 47 percent are underweight. Many are severely malnourished.

Madhya Pradesh has recorded the highest percentage in malnutrition (55 percent) and Kerala the lowest (27 percent).

The research also shows that in India the girl child is more at risk of malnutrition than a boy due the discrimination of genders in India.