Home / Health / Hubballi Health Screenings Uncover Widespread Child Malnutrition
Hubballi Health Screenings Uncover Widespread Child Malnutrition
9 Sep
Summary
- Over 2,400 children identified as undernourished since April.
- Health workers recorded 2,143 moderate and 269 severe malnutrition cases.
- Poor breastfeeding practices and diets contribute to the rise in cases.
Health screenings conducted across Hubballi district since April have identified more than 2,400 children suffering from undernourishment. This has raised significant concern over a potential rise in childhood malnutrition, with most cases originating from rural and slum neighborhoods.
Of the 190,288 children screened, health workers documented 2,143 instances of moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) and 269 cases of severe acute malnutrition (SAM). Currently, 16 children are receiving intensive treatment for their conditions.
Contributing factors cited for this health crisis include a lack of awareness regarding breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices, alongside poor hygiene and low-quality diets. Daily consultations for malnutrition at district hospitals average around 120 children, with 20-25 requiring hospitalization monthly.
Severe cases are directed to the Nutrition Rehabilitation Centre (NRC) for specialized care. The NRC provides 14 days of therapeutic support and nutritional guidance to mothers. Treatment protocols involve managing hypoglycemia, administering oral rehydration solutions, and providing specialized diets to promote weight gain.
