BAJURA, JUNE 27

Two children have died due to malnutrition in Muktikot village, Swamikartik Khapar Rural Municipality of Bajura, a region known for its severe malnutrition crisis.

A 17-month-old daughter of Dumali BK from Swamikartik Khapar-1 died a week ago, and 14-month-old Santosh Neupane, son of Rupasara Neupane from Swamikartik Khapar-2, died on Wednesday evening, informed Brij BK, in-charge of Muktikot Health Post.

According to BK, while 17-month-old Jamuna was suffering from malnutrition, her mother was pregnant with another child, and her husband was in India, making treatment unaffordable due to a lack of financial resources for both providing adequate nutrition and timely treatment. Despite being referred by the Muktikot Health Post, they couldn't afford to seek treatment elsewhere. Although there is a Nutrition Rehabilitation Center at the district hospital in Martadi, Bajura, the family couldn't afford to get there.

Meanwhile, Santosh Neupane was receiving treatment at the Muktikot Health Post but was in critical condition and passed away, BK added.

Since Baisakh of the Nepali calendar, 21 children in Muktikot have been identified as severely malnourished, according to BK. These children are receiving treatment through the health institution.

The village is severely affected by malnutrition, with only the severely malnourished children receiving treatment. Many others are moderately and mildly malnourished, BK stated.

Each year, malnutrition leads to the death of children in this village. In 2021 alone, eight children died, according to the Muktikot Health Post. According to locals, 13 children have died since 2022.

Following the publication of news in various media outlets in 2021, the rural municipality conducted a study on malnutrition. The report highlighted that out of 308 families in Muktikot, a significant number are malnourished. The report also noted that not only children but also adolescents, the elderly, women, pregnant, and lactating mothers are malnourished.

The Bajura Health Office also reported high fertility rates, high child mortality rates, and low usage of family planning methods in Muktikot.

The village has a 100% child marriage rate, with no unmarried individuals over 20 years old. Despite poverty and scarcity, families continue to have many children.

Despite the malnutrition crisis affecting many children every year, the government has not paid attention, said local resident Dabal BK. He added that child deaths due to malnutrition are common in Muktikot, where all families belong to the Dalit community.

This village is known as one of the poorest in Nepal.

(Transl., Ed.: Sandeep Sen)