Malnutrition is increasingly common among children living in urban areas as per Dr. Rajendra Giri of the District Health Office Palpa. Among two Municipalities and eight Rural Municipalities in Palpa, Tansen, and Rampur Municipality have the highest numbers of children with malnutrition.
According to Dr Giri, the District Health Office Palpa tested the malnutrition status of 4,831 children from ten local levels. Among them, 13 children in Rampur Municipality and seven children in Tansen Municipality are with severe malnutrition. He reported that 28 children are suffering from malnutrition in the district, including four in Bagnaskali Rural Municipality, two in Nisdi Rural Municipality, and one each in Tinau and Rambha Rural Municipalities.
Likewise, Dr Giri added that children with severe malnutrition are sent to the rehabilitation center for further treatment, while parents of children with mild malnutrition are counseled. Compared to rural areas, children in urban areas are more malnourished. Dr. Giri also stated that the problem of malnutrition has arisen due to daily dietary habits.
He mentioned that in recent times, the problem of malnutrition has increased because children are fed junk food such as noodles, biscuits, and other packaged food. Children should be provided with homemade food, green vegetables, and fruits to reduce the risk of malnutrition.