More than 50per cent of children under five years are still anaemic in Uttarakhand. This has been highlighted by the latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS 4, 2015-‘16).
What is shocking is that the number has barely changed when compared to the previous NFHS data published almost a decade ago. Besides child malnutrition, the quality of ante-natal as well as post -natal care of both mothers and infants show worrying trends negatively impacting child-health in the State, as findings of the recent survey suggest.
The poor status of consumption of Iron and Folic Acid (IFA) supplementation and lack of proper ante-natal care for expecting mothers is a huge concern area. Only 25 permothers consumed iron folic acid for more than 100 days or more, while mothers who received full antenatal care have decreased from 12.7 to 11.5 per cent.
Soha Moitra, Regional Director (North), CRY – Child Rights and You, says, “The NFHS is not just a reflection of the state of health and nutritional well being of children but it also provides the direction for corrective measures in State policies and programmes.
She further added, “The data released for Uttarakhand reinforces that efforts needs to be put to fill in the gaps in vaccination, better outreach to remote areas, better monitoring and provision of health services and regular training to improve the capacities of all players providing health services.”
The importance and immediacy of post -natal care and nutrition for both survival and health of the new born has still not percolated down as the survey shows. Despite the fact that the first 24 hours are most dangerous and hence crucial for a new born less than two out of 10 infants born under supervision received health check up within two days of birth. The number is worse for home deliveries with only about 2.4 per cent infants receiving check- up in the first 24 hours.
Also only on in eleven children in the age group of 6-23 months receives adequate diet.
Poverty, lack of sufficient diet and routine immunization are factors contributing to high levels of malnutrition, However if left unchecked, this can lead to deaths. At present 40 infants out of 1000 born do not get to celebrate their first birthday
Malnutrition is one of the most common problems affecting children and governments; both Centre and the State should prioritise health care so that our children get a healthy and happy life they deserve.
In this context, the Uttarakhand Government’s recent decision to start Parvarish day-care centres across the State for children suffering from malnutrition is a big welcome step but it will need constant efforts and perseverance on their part to not just change the statistics but also ensure a systemic change.