Thane District is currently facing a child malnutrition crisis, with over 1,000 cases recently discovered.
Alarming Numbers:
In Thane, Maharashtra, officials have unfortunately observed a concerning rise in child malnutrition, surpassing 1,000 cases, as reported on December 24th.
The district is currently dealing with 83 cases labelled as 'severe acute malnutrition' and 1,161 cases classified as 'moderate acute malnutrition,' as stated in an official release.
(PC: UNICEF Representative Photo)
Malnutrition, an Overview:
WHO defines Malnutrition as 'deficiencies or excesses in nutrient intake, imbalance of essential nutrients or impaired nutrient utilization. The double burden of malnutrition consists of both undernutrition and overweight and obesity, as well as diet-related noncommunicable diseases. Undernutrition manifests in four broad forms: wasting, stunting, underweight, and micronutrient deficiencies.'
Malnutrition presents a range of challenges, from nutrient deficiencies to issues with nutrient utilization. The concept of a double burden of malnutrition adds complexity, as it involves both undernutrition and the increasing problems of overweight, obesity, and diet-related noncommunicable diseases. Undernutrition can take various forms, such as wasting, stunting, underweight, and deficiencies in essential micronutrients.
Immediate Action:
During a visit to Shahapur taluka, Zilla Parishad Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Manuj Jindal committed to eliminating malnourishment within six months. Ongoing endeavours are being undertaken to address this pressing issue that severely impacts the most vulnerable members of our community.
Holistic Approach:
To address the growing numbers, the 'Kuposhan Muktisathi Dattak-Palak Abhiyan' initiative has been introduced. Government officials are pledging to embrace and support individual children, prioritizing their welfare and addressing malnutrition at its core.
Hands-on Oversight and Future Outlook:
During his visit, the CEO assessed the ongoing initiatives at public health centres and child treatment facilities. A comprehensive approach entails regular follow-ups by Anganwadi workers, ASHA workers, doctors, nurses, and supervisors. These professionals will diligently oversee the progress of malnourished children, placing great emphasis on providing consistent and attentive care.
We are fully committed to addressing this crisis and have implemented a targeted plan. Our goal is to not only address the current cases but also establish a sustainable support system for vulnerable children in the Thane district.
Unicef Latest Statistics:
The UNICEF-WHO-WB Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates, updated biennially, offer a snapshot of global and regional trends. The 2023 edition focuses on stunting and overweight from 2000-2022 globally, regionally, and at the country level. Wasting and severe wasting rely on primary data, with global trends till 2022 and the latest regional estimates. Assessing progress towards 2030 targets reveals stark realities: only one-third of countries are 'on track' to halve stunting, while just one in six meets the 3% overweight prevalence target. Worryingly, progress assessment for wasting is infeasible for almost half of the countries. Urgent, intensified efforts are crucial to meet the 2030 target of 89 million stunted children, with current projections missing by 39.6 million, mainly in Africa. Addressing data gaps is vital for accurate global malnutrition monitoring and reporting.
Conclusion:
In light of the concerning increase in child malnutrition, the community, alongside committed officials, is resolute in its efforts to change this course. Through the adoption of a child-centred approach and the implementation of thorough supervision, the aim is to guarantee a healthier future for the children affected. As we bring an end to the difficulties faced in the previous year, our attention turns towards a compassionate and proactive beginning in 2024, advocating for the welfare of every child in the Thane district.
Ⓒ Copyright 2023. All Rights Reserved Powered by Vygr Media.
