Hyderabad, February 07: Nearly 50 per cent of the children aged between three and six in the twin cities have been suffering from malnutrition, data available with the Hyderabad District Collectorate has revealed .
The issue came to light after officials of Women and Child Welfare Department took up a programme to ascertain the weight of children .
On September 2, a programme was taken up at all the 749 Anganwadi centres in the City, to analyse the nutrient content among the children. During the study, officials found that out of the total 72,110 children who were covered, nearly 36,000 children were found to be below the prescribed weight .
Sources in Hyderabad Collectorate said that 23,700 children were in the grade A of malnutrition. Similarly 11, 537 children in grade B of malnutrition, which means that immediate care should be take to improve their nutrient content. “But it was found that 0.6 per cent children weight is in alarming condition,’’ sources said .
Sources said for different age groups, the ideal weight of children varies .
Interestingly, the situation has been prevailing despite constant motivation programmes taken up by the officials of Women and Child department at Anganwadi centres .
It is learnt that in the recent past, there were cases of infant mortality at Maredpally, Bandlaguda, Musheerabad .
Officials said that there is an urgent need to improve the nutrient content of mothers .
“If the mother is suffering with lack of nutrients in the food, she will not be in a position to breast feed her child, which has immense nutritious value. It was found that some children were falling short of ideal weight since their mothers have not been taking nutritious food,’’ sources said .
The officials are planning to make changes in the food supplied to the children at Anganwadi centres to improve the nutrient content. Instead of the existing modified therapy food, officials are planning to start food items which are `ready to mix’ and have more nutritious value .
“The children should be provided with leafy vegetables, eggs and other food items that has rich nutrition value,’’ officials suggested .
–Agencies