R'than to fight malnutrition among kids of 13 districts

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed between the National Health Mission and UNICEF to treat over 10,000 kids suffering from malnutrition in 13 districts of Rajasthan.  

 The anti-malnutrition programme will be implemented in a phased manner and kids till 14 years of age living in tribal areas will be on the top priority of the state government.

“According to a recent report there are 6.5 lakh kids in the age group of 14 years who are suffering from malnutrition. A detailed programme has been devised and MoU has been signed with UNICEF and Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition. All the kids will be treated in a phased manner,” said Rajendra Rathore, Rajasthan Health Ministe. 

In the annual budget, the chief minister has announced to treat 10,000 kids suffering from malnutrition. Once we achieve the target, the programme will be extended for remaining kids, if any, he added.

Officials said there are 150 malnutrition treatment centres in Rajasthan where 9,891 kids were treated in 2014-15. By roping in UNICEF and other players, the state government wants to adopt a multi-dimensional approach to treat kids.

“We are now looking ahead of conventional treatment. It has been proved that kids suffering from a high degree of malnutrition can be treated through a community based strategy, which is more effective than medical assistance. By roping in UNICEF and other players we will implement a special programme, which will be more effective than conventional methods,” said a senior official of the National Health Mission.