In the Sitapur district of Uttar Pradesh, child malnutrition continues to be a major concern. Sitapur consistently ranks among the top five states in India facing this challenge. The district is home to over 1,05,000 malnourished children under the age of five, with more than 23,000 classified as severely acutely malnourished (SAM).
Children in Sitapur suffer from prolonged episodes of fever and acute diarrhea, making it difficult for them to retain food. The conditions in which they live are not ideal, leading to hygiene-related issues. Additionally, pregnant women in the district often do not receive adequate healthcare.
The Nutrition Rehabilitation Centre (NRC) in Sitapur provides medical assistance to malnourished children. According to Kamini Verma, a staff nurse at the NRC, there are currently eight children being taken care of in the ward. The NRC also follows up with all the cases that pass through their doors to ensure their continued good health.
The issue of child malnutrition in Sitapur has been highlighted by a report from NITI Aayog, which states that the district has the highest number of stunted children and ranks third in the prevalence of underweight children. Moreover, Sitapur has the fourth-highest count of public health concerns among children under five, with a high rate of anemia among pregnant women.
Efforts are being made to address the issue of child malnutrition in Sitapur. The U.P. National Health Mission provides dry rations to low-income families with pregnant or lactating women and young children. Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) workers are responsible for assessing families’ needs and ensuring appropriate benefits allocation.
However, it is still too early to assess whether child malnutrition in the district has improved or deteriorated. Challenges in accessing adequate prenatal and child care continue to persist, particularly in rural areas where healthcare facilities may be limited. Efforts need to be intensified to ensure that all children in Sitapur have access to nutritious food and proper healthcare to prevent and combat malnutrition.
Sources:
– NITI Aayog report
– Integrated Child Development Services records
– National Family Health Survey (NFHS) data
