Jharkhand battling malnourishment in children

Despite several government campaigns, schemes, and initiatives, Jharkhand is still battling the issue of malnutrition which should be a matter of concern for the authorities. According to the report of the National Health Family Survey, about 47.8 per cent children in the state are underweight. In urban areas, 39.3 per cent of children are malnourished while in rural areas the per cent stands at 49.8.

Ranchi: Jharkhand, a mineral-rich state, has nearly 5 lakh children suffering from severe malnourishment.

In urban areas, 39.3 per cent of children are malnourished while in rural areas the number of malnourished children is around 49.8 per cent.

According to the report of the National Health Family Survey, about 47.8 per cent of children in the state are underweight.

Commenting on the dire situation, Deputy Director of Health Department, Amar Kumar Mishra said, "Malnutrition is a major challenge for Jharkhand today. One in every two children in the state is facing the perils of malnutrition and the situation is getting worse in places like Khunti, Dumka, Gumla, Chatra, Bokaro, and Garhwa.

According to Pediatrician Dr. Sugandha, more than half of the children in the state are facing the issue of undernourishment because of their mothers not getting a proper diet, especially during their pregnancy.

"Babies are born underweight because they don't get enough nutrition which in turn raises the infant mortality rate," said Dr. Sugandha.

Jharkhand battling malnourishment in children

Through various schemes and initiatives, the government is battling the issue.

Ministry of Women and Child Development provides supplementary food to children in Anganwadi centres under the ICDS (Integrated Child Development Services) scheme.

As part of the National Health Campaign, 96 malnutrition treatment centres have been opened in the state to treat severely malnourished children.

Nutrition campaign has been started on the instruction of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which aims to provide the needed nutrition to children, pregnant women and mothers.

Despite all this, the state is still battling the issue of malnutrition which should be a matter of concern for the authorities.

The authorities should check and find loopholes as to why the benefits of their campaigns, schemes, and initiatives not reaching the ground level, and bring necessary changes accordingly.