Around 34% of children in Uttar Pradesh is suffering from malnutrition

Kanpur, 15th January 2018: With 1.3 million deaths due to malnutrition, it is one of the leading causes for premature deaths in the country followed by pneumonia, diarrhea and tuberculosis. Uttar Pradesh, being one of the largest states in the country, with around 17% of the country?s population, highest population, stands at third position, behind Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, with over 34% of its children suffering from malnutrition.

While the situation in the rural areas is grave with 48% of under-5 children being stunted, cities don?t fare too well, as 37% children facing the same fate in urban Uttar Pradesh. Highlighting concern over the situation, doctors are focusing on raising awareness across the state.

?Infant mortality and malnutrition rate in the state happens to be highest in the country. However, it is not that this situation cannot be controlled and improved. With due focus in combating protein energy malnutrition in rural and urban areas of the state, the numbers indeed have decreased. There are numerous schemes for curbing malnutrition in our country but its reach is considerably ineffective. Deeper penetration of the facilities, spreading awareness on various diseases and conditions affecting a child with poor nutrition, and increasing private partner engagement will provide considerable impact in reducing malnutrition levels in the state?, said Dr. Rashmi Kapoor, Director division of Pediatrics , pediatric critical care and Pulmonology, Regency healthcare Kanpur.

A child needs enough nutrition to support a healthy growth, inclusive of protein, carbohydrates, and vitamins for healthy development of the child. If the child does not get enough nutrition, it not only leads to deformed development but extreme cases lead to stunting, a process where the body halts the growth and the child is more prone to infections often affecting their brains. Post implementation of the 1978 Integrated Child Development Scheme, which aimed to reduce malnutrition through anganwadis (daycare centers) providing cooked meal to children from 9 AM, there has been considerable impact in bringing down the percentage of malnutrition in the country. However, the progress has not been as was expected. The food is served thrice a day and it serves approximately 30 children a day, and does not seem to be adequate to cater to the growing population of the state.

?The establishment of ICDS is not enough. Other schemes implemented by the state and Indian government need to be linked together for better results. Apart from this, we also need to empower and educate the families of the children. When they suffer from infections, their mothers often do the opposite of what is required. During diarrhea, the intake of fluid needs to be increased to prevent the body from dehydration. Such vital facts and information can be transferred to these families through the daycare workers through better interaction. The job of daycare facilities should not end after they serve the meals. There should be a behavioral approach. Eating the right kind of diet is more important than the number of times you have meals in a day. The right kind of nutrition can be taught to families with local nutritionist educating them. There should be a proper combination of protein and calories of meals being served. Sole intake of calories does not satisfy nutrition?, said Dr Rashmi Kapoor Regency Healthcare Kanpur

With the government increasing subsidies for a number of schemes under the National Food Security Act 2013 and strengthening the mid-day meal schemes, UP is looking towards providing better nutrition to thousands of kids across the state.

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