LAHAN: Around 15 per cent children in Siraha District suffer from dire state of malnutrition, a study revealed.

According to Chuman Lal Das, Chief of District Public Health Office at Siraha, lack of nutritious diet to pregnant women, heavy workload, lack of rest, and negligence from family members have resulted in under-nutrition in 15 per cent of the youngsters.

“Around 10 per cent of children in Nepal and 14.4 per cent of children in Province 2 are subjected to undernourishment,” Das informed, adding “children from rural and economically backward societies suffer from malnutrition because of lack of nutritious diet whereas children in urban areas are malnourished due to lack of awareness regarding balanced diet.”

The study conducted by “Quick Assistant” on children up to the age of 5 in the district revealed that physical, mental and social development of the infants have been affected, and they have not gained height and weight in line with their age.

Keeping in mind the impending issue of malnutrition, various donors and health agencies including UNICEF, World Food Programme (WFP), UK Aid, Global Health Alliance Nepal, Nepal Public Health Foundation, and Australian Aid in coordination with District Health Office have started an Immediate Malnutrition Unified Management Programme in the District, added Das.