Nepal Reports Rise in Child Malnutrition in Dolakha District

The number of children suffering from malnutrition in Nepal’s Dolakha district is rising each year, with health authorities reporting a sharp increase in cases.

The District Health Office says 52 children have been diagnosed with malnutrition this year, up from 30 last year.

Of the 52 cases, 10 children have severe acute malnutrition and 42 have moderate malnutrition.

The severe cases were recorded in the municipalities of Jiri, Baiteshwor, Kalinchowk and Bigu.

Health officials identified the cases among children aged between six months and five years during screenings conducted across all nine local government areas of the district.

About 9,700 children were screened, according to Ram Kushwaha Yadav, an information officer at the District Health Office. He said the number of children suffering from severe malnutrition was increasing.

Health authorities have urged families to improve children’s diets by providing traditional and home-cooked foods, as well as green leafy vegetables and fruits.

The data also show that girls and children living in rural areas are more affected by malnutrition than boys and those living in urban areas.