15 per cent infants in Siraha malnourished
LAHAN: Around 15 percent children in Siraha District suffer from dire state of malnutrition, a study revealed.
According to Chuman Lal Das, Chief of District Public Health Office, lack of nutritious diet to pregnant women, heavy workload, lack of rest and negligence from family members have resulted in under-nutrition in 15 percent of the youngsters.
“Around 10 percent of children in Nepal and 14.4 percent of children in Province 2 are subjected to undernourishment,” Das informed, adding “Children from rural and economically backward societies suffer from malnutrition because of lack of nutritious diet whereas children in urban areas are malnourished due to lack of awareness regarding balanced diet.”
The study conducted by “Quick Assistant” on babies up to the age 5 in the district found out that physical, mental and social development of the infants have been affected and they have not gained height and weight in line with their age.
Keeping in mind the impending issue of malnutrition, various donors and health agencies including UNICEF, World Food Programme (WFP), UK Aid, Global Health Alliance Nepal, Nepal Public Health Foundation and Australian Aid in coordination with District Health Office have started an Immediate Malnutrition Unified Management Programee in the District, added Das.
ORIGINAL SOURCE OF NEWS: THE HIMALAYANTIMES ONLINE NEWS
- Key Findings (Nepali & English) – The 2016 Nepal Demographic and Health Survey (2016 NDHS)
- Multi-sector Nutrition Plan II (2018-2022), Nepal
