24 tribal children die in MP’s Balaghat

Nearly two dozen children from the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group Baiga community have reportedly died in Balaghat district’s Birsa block amid an outbreak of illnesses including measles, malaria and malnutrition, triggering concern over healthcare conditions in the remote tribal belt.

Local tribal representatives have claimed that 24 children have died in affected villages, while the district administration has officially linked eight deaths to seasonal illnesses since June. Officials have said malaria and measles were among the major causes, while some other deaths were attributed to genetic or unrelated medical conditions.

Protesting against the deaths, members of Sarv Adivasi Samaj took out a rally on Sunday evening and demanded action against officials allegedly responsible for lapses in healthcare and disease prevention.

Tribal woman representative Sandesh Saiyam said substantial funds were allocated for tribal welfare, yet communities in remote areas continued to face inadequate development and healthcare access.

The organisation demanded immediate financial assistance for families of the deceased children and said the situation in several affected villages remained serious. The deaths have been reported from villages under Adori, Machhurda, Lalpur, Ghummur and other gram panchayats in the Birsa development block.

The affected children belonged largely to Baiga families living in remote forested areas where access to health facilities remains difficult.

Government data cited in recent reports also indicate nutritional concerns. Of 1,149 children below six years weighed across 28 Anganwadi centres in the affected region in July, 213 were found moderately underweight and 18 severely underweight. Officials said 125 affected children had recovered and been discharged, while several others were undergoing treatment.

The state Government has intensified health surveillance in the region. Senior officials have visited affected villages in Birsa and Baihar blocks and reviewed nutrition, sanitation and healthcare arrangements.

Authorities have also been directed to monitor malnourished children, strengthen regular health check-ups and ensure safe drinking water and sanitation.

Special vaccination and disease-control drives are also being carried out in the affected villages. The Government is continuing medical screening and treatment as officials work to determine the exact cause behind each reported death.