'Implement measures to tackle malnutrition'

Even though there are several programmes to tackle the problem of malnutrition among children, there are some drawbacks in their implementation, said High Court judge, K L Manjunath, here on Saturday.

He was speaking at a workshop held to discuss steps to tackle malnutrition, organised by District Legal Services Forum, department of Health and Family Welfare, department of Public Instruction, Women and Child Development department, Public Works department and Bar Association of Hassan district.

“There are 230 children who suffer from malnutrition in the district. Of these children, 101 are boys and 128 are girls.

As many as 82 of these malnourished children belong to scheduled castes, and eight children belong to scheduled tribes. Apart from the children with congenital malnutrition problems, condition of 120 malnourished children in the district can be easily improved,” he said.

Tackle malnutrition

He said that departments concerned should ensure that programmes to tackle malnutrition are properly implemented.

The role of Anganawadi workers in tackling the problem was also important, especially in rural areas.

They must identify children who suffer from malnutrition and ensure that the facilities of the government to improve the condition of such children, reach them, he said.

Judge A V Chandrashekar said that several State governments were keen on implementing the recommendations of Justice N K Patil committee, which chalks out measures to reduce instances of malnutrition.

Even the Supreme Court was analysing the problem of malnutrition in the country, he said.

He added that malnourishment of a child was also the result of improper or reduced intake of food by women during their pregnancy.

Anganawadi workers should create awareness among women about food intake during pregnancy, its effect on the foetus, and subsequently, the new born child, he said.

Deputy Commissioner, V Anbukumar spoke on the various programmes taken up by the district administration to ensure women’s safety and to improve the condition of malnourished children.