International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Invention (IJHSSI) is an international journal intended for professionals and researchers in all fields of Humanities and Social Science. IJHSSI publishes research articles and reviews within the whole field Humanities and Social Science, new teaching methods, assessment, validation and the impact of new technologies and it will continue to provide information on the latest trends and developments in this ever-expanding subject. The publications of papers are selected through double peer reviewed to ensure originality, relevance, and readability. The articles published in our journal can be accessed online.
Measuring Poverty through Child Malnutrition A Study With Special Referance T...iosrjce
Malnutrition is identified by a weight for height indicator within a given population, or by a
measurement of a child's mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC). If dietary deficiencies are persistent, children
will stop growing and become stunted (low height for one's age). This is referred to as chronic malnutrition. If
they experience weight loss or 'wasting' (low weight for one's height), they are described as suffering from acute
malnutrition. India's ICDS scheme The Integrated Child Development Scheme is perhaps the largest of all food
and supplementation programmes in the world and was set up as an institutional response to the problem of
malnutrition in India. Initiated in 1975, the ICDS was mandated with improving the health and nutrition status
of children up to the age of six by providing supplementary food and by coordinating with state health
departments to ensure delivery of required health inputs. Under the ICDS, cooked food is provided to children
through anganwadi (community) centre’s. One centre is provided for a population of 1000 (700 in the case of
tribal areas). Fifty million children aged six and below are covered under this Rs.45 billion outreach
programme. There has been much research on the benefit of micronutrient replacement and the promotion of
breastfeeding as ways to prevent malnutrition and its complications in children. The study found the income
level is lesser than national average. Even though there is a minimum availability of nutritious food to
children’s, majority of them are found to be malnourished.
Prevalence of malnutrition among under five children of RukaminiNagar, BelgaumSawan Kumar
synopsis of prevalence of malnutrition among under five years children in Rukmini Nagar, Belgaum
Reaserche:- Mr. Sawan Kumar Yadav
Guide:- Dr. Mubashir Angolkar,
Coordinator and Assistant Professor
Department of Public Health,
J.N. Medical college, Belgaum, Karnataka, India
Malnutrition project proposal ( Increasing knowlege about importance of a bal...Oriba Dan Langoya
This is a project proposal implemented by Students of Makerere University Under Community Based and Education Research (COBERS)
Meeting the Nutrition requirements of children aged 6months to five years has become a major global
challenge and as such an estimate of 55 million pre- school children globally are malnourished. In 2010,
the nutrition status of children under five in Uganda was estimated to be 38% stunted, 16% acutely
malnourished and 19% undernourished and by 2011 the statistics stand at 33% for stunting,5% for
wasting ,14% for underweight, vitamin A deficiency at 38%. The current levels of malnutrition hinder
Uganda’s human, social, and economic development.
Measuring Poverty through Child Malnutrition A Study With Special Referance T...iosrjce
Malnutrition is identified by a weight for height indicator within a given population, or by a
measurement of a child's mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC). If dietary deficiencies are persistent, children
will stop growing and become stunted (low height for one's age). This is referred to as chronic malnutrition. If
they experience weight loss or 'wasting' (low weight for one's height), they are described as suffering from acute
malnutrition. India's ICDS scheme The Integrated Child Development Scheme is perhaps the largest of all food
and supplementation programmes in the world and was set up as an institutional response to the problem of
malnutrition in India. Initiated in 1975, the ICDS was mandated with improving the health and nutrition status
of children up to the age of six by providing supplementary food and by coordinating with state health
departments to ensure delivery of required health inputs. Under the ICDS, cooked food is provided to children
through anganwadi (community) centre’s. One centre is provided for a population of 1000 (700 in the case of
tribal areas). Fifty million children aged six and below are covered under this Rs.45 billion outreach
programme. There has been much research on the benefit of micronutrient replacement and the promotion of
breastfeeding as ways to prevent malnutrition and its complications in children. The study found the income
level is lesser than national average. Even though there is a minimum availability of nutritious food to
children’s, majority of them are found to be malnourished.
Prevalence of malnutrition among under five children of RukaminiNagar, BelgaumSawan Kumar
synopsis of prevalence of malnutrition among under five years children in Rukmini Nagar, Belgaum
Reaserche:- Mr. Sawan Kumar Yadav
Guide:- Dr. Mubashir Angolkar,
Coordinator and Assistant Professor
Department of Public Health,
J.N. Medical college, Belgaum, Karnataka, India
Malnutrition project proposal ( Increasing knowlege about importance of a bal...Oriba Dan Langoya
This is a project proposal implemented by Students of Makerere University Under Community Based and Education Research (COBERS)
Meeting the Nutrition requirements of children aged 6months to five years has become a major global
challenge and as such an estimate of 55 million pre- school children globally are malnourished. In 2010,
the nutrition status of children under five in Uganda was estimated to be 38% stunted, 16% acutely
malnourished and 19% undernourished and by 2011 the statistics stand at 33% for stunting,5% for
wasting ,14% for underweight, vitamin A deficiency at 38%. The current levels of malnutrition hinder
Uganda’s human, social, and economic development.
Malnutrition in India-Background and solutions proposedRohen Agrawal
Despite India's 50% increase in GDP since 1991, more than one third of the world's malnourished children live in India. Among these, half of them under 3 are underweight and a third of wealthiest children are over-nutriented. The World Bank estimates that India is one of the highest ranking countries in the world for the number of children suffering from malnutrition. The presentation proposes how this problem of malnourishment can be eliminated from India.
The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are eight goals with measurable targets and clear deadlines for improving the lives of the world's poorest people. To meet these goals and eradicate poverty, leaders of 189 countries signed the historic millennium declaration at the United Nations Millennium Summit in 2000.
Epidemiology of Childhood Malnutrition in India and strategies of controlsourav goswami
This presentation includes the epidemiology of childhood malnutrition in India. the problems and challenges that are being faced in the improvement of the condition and the different strategies for its control.
Malnutrition in India-Background and solutions proposedRohen Agrawal
Despite India's 50% increase in GDP since 1991, more than one third of the world's malnourished children live in India. Among these, half of them under 3 are underweight and a third of wealthiest children are over-nutriented. The World Bank estimates that India is one of the highest ranking countries in the world for the number of children suffering from malnutrition. The presentation proposes how this problem of malnourishment can be eliminated from India.
The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are eight goals with measurable targets and clear deadlines for improving the lives of the world's poorest people. To meet these goals and eradicate poverty, leaders of 189 countries signed the historic millennium declaration at the United Nations Millennium Summit in 2000.
Epidemiology of Childhood Malnutrition in India and strategies of controlsourav goswami
This presentation includes the epidemiology of childhood malnutrition in India. the problems and challenges that are being faced in the improvement of the condition and the different strategies for its control.
MALNUTRITION is more in India than in Africa . one in every three malnourished children in the world lives in India.
About 50% of all childhood death are because of malnutrition.
Evaluation of the impacts of care givers on malnourished children in Ishaka A...PUBLISHERJOURNAL
This study was done to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practices of care givers of malnourished children less than five years in Ishaka Adventist Hospital, Uganda. This was a cross-sectional descriptive study that targeted care givers of malnourished children below five years. Forty two care givers (using fishers’ method) were sampled using simple random technique and basing on the inclusion and exclusion criteria stated therein. Data was collected using semi structured questionnaires and data was analyzed using SPSS version 22.1 and was also assisted by excel in drawing charts and figures. During data collection, absolute ethical considerations were followed. 100% response rate was achieved, and the results showed that the majority of participants 20 (48%) were aged 18-24 years and 83% were females and majority of care takers were peasants 37(88%) and surprisingly 30(74%) had never completed primary level. 71% of respondents defined malnutrition as when the child is having a big head and a swollen stomach and a majority 26(62%) mentioned poor hygiene, un safe water, diseases and infection were the causes of malnutrition, good enough majority of them had knowledge on signs of malnutrition, care takers had a mixed attitude about malnutrition and some attributed it to bad lack in the family and majority of the mothers were breast feeding their children. In conclusion, participants had good knowledge and the care takers also had good attitude towards different feeding habits and it was recommended that outreach programs targeting care takers should be emphasized.
Keywords: malnutrition, feeding habits, care takers, infection
isang norse mythology ang kwento na tungkol kay thor at loki sila ay nais maglakbay sa lupain ng mga higante at sa pag lalakbay nila ay nakasama nila ang isang higante na nag ngangalang skrymir pag dating nila sa lupain ng mga higante ay hinamon sila ni utgaro loki na makipag laban sa kanya gamit lamang ang kaniyang mga mahika, at pumayag naman si thor at nakipag laban kasma sina loki at thjalfi. at ng matapos ang laban ay maraming nalaman si thor sa mga ginawang mahika ni utgaro loki. at pagkatapos noon ay pinaalis ni utgaro loki sina thor sa kanilang lupain
Embracing GenAI - A Strategic ImperativePeter Windle
Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies such as Generative AI, Image Generators and Large Language Models have had a dramatic impact on teaching, learning and assessment over the past 18 months. The most immediate threat AI posed was to Academic Integrity with Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) focusing their efforts on combating the use of GenAI in assessment. Guidelines were developed for staff and students, policies put in place too. Innovative educators have forged paths in the use of Generative AI for teaching, learning and assessments leading to pockets of transformation springing up across HEIs, often with little or no top-down guidance, support or direction.
This Gasta posits a strategic approach to integrating AI into HEIs to prepare staff, students and the curriculum for an evolving world and workplace. We will highlight the advantages of working with these technologies beyond the realm of teaching, learning and assessment by considering prompt engineering skills, industry impact, curriculum changes, and the need for staff upskilling. In contrast, not engaging strategically with Generative AI poses risks, including falling behind peers, missed opportunities and failing to ensure our graduates remain employable. The rapid evolution of AI technologies necessitates a proactive and strategic approach if we are to remain relevant.
Welcome to TechSoup New Member Orientation and Q&A (May 2024).pdfTechSoup
In this webinar you will learn how your organization can access TechSoup's wide variety of product discount and donation programs. From hardware to software, we'll give you a tour of the tools available to help your nonprofit with productivity, collaboration, financial management, donor tracking, security, and more.
Model Attribute Check Company Auto PropertyCeline George
In Odoo, the multi-company feature allows you to manage multiple companies within a single Odoo database instance. Each company can have its own configurations while still sharing common resources such as products, customers, and suppliers.
A Strategic Approach: GenAI in EducationPeter Windle
Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies such as Generative AI, Image Generators and Large Language Models have had a dramatic impact on teaching, learning and assessment over the past 18 months. The most immediate threat AI posed was to Academic Integrity with Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) focusing their efforts on combating the use of GenAI in assessment. Guidelines were developed for staff and students, policies put in place too. Innovative educators have forged paths in the use of Generative AI for teaching, learning and assessments leading to pockets of transformation springing up across HEIs, often with little or no top-down guidance, support or direction.
This Gasta posits a strategic approach to integrating AI into HEIs to prepare staff, students and the curriculum for an evolving world and workplace. We will highlight the advantages of working with these technologies beyond the realm of teaching, learning and assessment by considering prompt engineering skills, industry impact, curriculum changes, and the need for staff upskilling. In contrast, not engaging strategically with Generative AI poses risks, including falling behind peers, missed opportunities and failing to ensure our graduates remain employable. The rapid evolution of AI technologies necessitates a proactive and strategic approach if we are to remain relevant.
Synthetic Fiber Construction in lab .pptxPavel ( NSTU)
Synthetic fiber production is a fascinating and complex field that blends chemistry, engineering, and environmental science. By understanding these aspects, students can gain a comprehensive view of synthetic fiber production, its impact on society and the environment, and the potential for future innovations. Synthetic fibers play a crucial role in modern society, impacting various aspects of daily life, industry, and the environment. ynthetic fibers are integral to modern life, offering a range of benefits from cost-effectiveness and versatility to innovative applications and performance characteristics. While they pose environmental challenges, ongoing research and development aim to create more sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives. Understanding the importance of synthetic fibers helps in appreciating their role in the economy, industry, and daily life, while also emphasizing the need for sustainable practices and innovation.
Acetabularia Information For Class 9 .docxvaibhavrinwa19
Acetabularia acetabulum is a single-celled green alga that in its vegetative state is morphologically differentiated into a basal rhizoid and an axially elongated stalk, which bears whorls of branching hairs. The single diploid nucleus resides in the rhizoid.
Macroeconomics- Movie Location
This will be used as part of your Personal Professional Portfolio once graded.
Objective:
Prepare a presentation or a paper using research, basic comparative analysis, data organization and application of economic information. You will make an informed assessment of an economic climate outside of the United States to accomplish an entertainment industry objective.
2024.06.01 Introducing a competency framework for languag learning materials ...Sandy Millin
http://sandymillin.wordpress.com/iateflwebinar2024
Published classroom materials form the basis of syllabuses, drive teacher professional development, and have a potentially huge influence on learners, teachers and education systems. All teachers also create their own materials, whether a few sentences on a blackboard, a highly-structured fully-realised online course, or anything in between. Despite this, the knowledge and skills needed to create effective language learning materials are rarely part of teacher training, and are mostly learnt by trial and error.
Knowledge and skills frameworks, generally called competency frameworks, for ELT teachers, trainers and managers have existed for a few years now. However, until I created one for my MA dissertation, there wasn’t one drawing together what we need to know and do to be able to effectively produce language learning materials.
This webinar will introduce you to my framework, highlighting the key competencies I identified from my research. It will also show how anybody involved in language teaching (any language, not just English!), teacher training, managing schools or developing language learning materials can benefit from using the framework.
Thesis Statement for students diagnonsed withADHD.ppt
G0342056063
1. International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Invention
ISSN (Online): 2319 – 7722, ISSN (Print): 2319 – 7714
www.ijhssi.org Volume 3 Issue 4 ǁ April. 2014 ǁ PP.56-63
www.ijhssi.org 56 | P a g e
Status and Challenges of Child Malnutrition in West Bengal with
Special Reference to Area under Kolkata Municipal Corporation
Anandita Dawn1
and Ranjan Basu2
Junior Research Fellow1
and Professor2
Department of Geography, University of Calcutta
Kolkata, West Bengal
Abstract: Malnutrition is a grave threat to maternal and child health across the world with its most of the
victims observed in the developing nations. It is the condition that results from consuming a diet in which
certain nutrients are lacking. A miserable picture of malnutrition and under-nutrition is prevalent among
mothers and children in rural areas on one hand and slums and shanties of the urban areas on the other in
India as well as in the state of West Bengal. Kwashiorkor, Marasmus, Rickets are the common diseases seen
among children due to malnutrition. A number of nutritional deficiency syndromes tend to affect the overall
physical and mental development making the child susceptible to various childhood diseases. Children living in
the unhygienic slum areas cursed with malnutrition are vulnerable to pediatric tuberculosis as well. Early
marriage coupled with early pregnancy, improper feeding habits, inadequate diet and negligence culminates
into signs and symptoms of malnutrition among pregnant women, the result of which is reflected after birth of
the infant who is also vulnerable to inherit symptoms of malnutrition, under-nutrition and anaemia.
Key words: malnutrition, kwashiorkor, marasmus, poverty, child stunting
I. INTRODUCTION
Nutrition may be defined as the science of food and its relationship to health. It is concerned
primarily with the part played by nutrients in body growth, development and maintenance (WHO, 1971).
Therefore it is quite evident that a balanced nutritious diet is required for proper functioning of the body. Protein
Energy Malnutrition (PEM) and growth retardation are probably the most widespread health and nutritional
problems of the developing countries including India (Mehta, 2000). Malnutrition contributes to between 3.5-5.0
million annual deaths of children under five years of age. UNICEF estimates that there are nearly 195 million
children suffering from malnutrition across the globe. Malnutrition therefore is technically a category of disease
that includes under-nutrition, obesity and micronutrient deficiency due to improper and inadequate dietary
habits. WHO, UNICEF and United Nations World Food Programme recommended community management of
severe acute malnutrition with ready to use therapeutic foods. Severe PEM often associated with infection
contributes to high incidences to child morbidity among underprivileged communities in West Bengal. The state
shows a striking contrast between rural and urban health infrastructure. The initiatives of the Government to
improve health conditions in various aspects have proved to be inadequate. In 1975, the Integrated Child
Development Services (ICDS) was first implemented. It is a major programme to tackle malnutrition and the ill
health of mothers and children which followed the adoption of a National Policy for Children.
II. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
This study was conducted to fulfill several objectives noted below:
To understand the maternal and child health scenario in the state
To assess the coverage and success of child nutrition programmes
To take note of the inter-district disparities in coverage of Supplementary Nutrition Programme (SNP)
To reveal the spatio-temporal variations of SNP in Kolkata
To identify the factors responsible for malnutrition among children and pregnant women
To analyse the spatial variations of malnutrition and its causes in Kolkata.
III. DATA BASE AND METHODOLOGY
This work is a combination of primary and secondary data. Information was generated on health
conditions of the pregnant women as well as lactating mothers and children below six years of age. Most of the
secondary data were collected from the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of West Bengal
and Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC). A number of reports published by World Health Organization,
2. Status and Challenges Of Child Malnutrition…
www.ijhssi.org 57 | P a g e
UNICEF and Indian Academy of Pediatrics have been consulted for the purpose apart from articles published in
several relevant journals. Apart from the computation of the available secondary data and their cartographic
representation, questionnaires were framed for the target groups of doctors and the mothers. Purposive method
of sampling was followed with a sample size of 30 doctors and 90 mothers from slums and 90 from non-slum
areas including both the pregnant women and lactating mothers representing 15 Boroughs of the city.
IV. AREA UNDER STUDY
Among 19 districts of the state of West Bengal, the city of Kolkata has been taken up for detailed
study. The Kolkata Municipal Corporation has a total area of 187.33 km2
with a geographical extension between
2227N to 2239N latitude and 8814 E to 8826 E longitude. The territorial jurisdiction of Kolkata
Municipal Corporation (KMC) has been divided into 15 Boroughs consisting of 141 wards. Spatially the city
can be divided into North, South, East and Central Kolkata. The reason behind its selection lies in an odd
contrast in terms of health awareness, accessibility to health care facilities and health conditions among the poor
slum and shanty dwellers on one hand and upper non-slum dwellers on the other.
V. PREVALENCE OF MALNUTRITION AT NATIONAL, STATE
AND DISTRICT LEVELS
In India, as in most of Africa, where no notable decline in child stunting took place over the 1990s,
the rate of decline over the 2001-15 period must be very high in view of the Millennium Development Goals
(MDGs) to be realized. For this to occur, large reductions in poverty through equitable and high income growth
are necessary (Svedberg, 2006). India has a higher level of PEM than most parts of the world, including sub-
Saharan Africa. Over 75 percent of pre-school children suffer from iron deficiency anemia, and 57 percent have
subclinical Vitamin A deficiency (ICDS Report, 2006). Iodine deficiency is endemic in India. The prevalence of
different micronutrient deficiencies varies widely across states. According to National Family Health Survey-III
(NFHS-III, 2005-06) conducted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, India has 48 per cent stunted, 20
per cent wasted and 43 per cent underweight children below five years of age. The size of child population in
the age group (0-6 years age group) is declining with decline in the share of children to total population; the
share of girls in 0-6 years is declining faster than that of boys of 0-6 years. During the period 1991 -2011, child
sex ratio declined from 945 to 914, whereas the overall sex ratio showed an improvement from 927 to 940
(Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, 2012) (Table.1).
Table 1: Child Sex Ratio (0-6 years) in India, 1991-2011
Census Years Rural Urban Total
1991 948 935 945
2001 933 906 927
2011 919 902 914
Sources: i) Census of India, ii) Registrar General of India
The prevalence of severe malnutrition among children in the 0-6 age group has emerged as one of
the grave issues of child health in India while West Bengal is no exception. Kwashiorkor and Marasmus are the
dangerous outcomes of PEM briefly conceived as malnutrition. The word „Kwashiorkor‟ was suggested by Dr.
Cicely Williams in the early 1930s. It is an African word which means “the disease that occurs when the child is
displaced from the breast by another child”. Marasmus can develop in the initial months of life and results if the
mother‟s milk supply is insufficient as a result of which the mother feed the baby with diluted milk of buffalo
and cow. Hence the common age of occurrence is 0-2 years though can also occur at later age as well.
The state of West Bengal shows a large number of Grade III and Grade IV children affected by
deficiency of protein, vitamins and minerals under Integrated Child Development Services Scheme (ICDS).
Poverty, low birth weight, improper birth spacing, lack of inadequate nutritious diet coupled with low level of
parental awareness and poor breast-feeding practices have contributed to prominent appearance of child
malnutrition in the state. Most of the lactating mothers are unaware of the importance of breast-feeding to
infants. Mother‟s milk is known to provide an infant with resistance from diseases after birth which persists up
to six months of early infancy. The first milk of the mother contains a yellowish substance known as Colostrums
which is vital for every child. But most of the infants remain deprived of its benefits. Malnutrition is highly
prevalent among low-income slum and shanty dwellers of Kolkata. The poor unhygienic living conditions, the
3. Status and Challenges Of Child Malnutrition…
www.ijhssi.org 58 | P a g e
overcrowded damp environment, improper feeding habits makes a child vulnerable to symptoms of
malnutrition.
One of the dangerous outcomes of severe malnutrition is pediatric tuberculosis which is a result of poor
body functions and resistivity. Malnutrition during pregnancy often results into still birth, premature delivery
and other complications during post-partum period. Incidences of premature delivery, miscarriage and still birth
are quite high in the impoverished slums and shanties of Kolkata.
VI. IMPORTANCE OF MOTHER’S MILK TO A CHILD
Breast milk is vital to a child in the early years of life, but it is insufficient. During the first six
months of life an infant requires only the mother‟s milk for survival and to fight against diseases. After 4-6
months, it must be supplemented by solid foods rich in high quality protein, essential fats and carbohydrates,
vitamins and minerals are introduced in the diet of the infant. Mother‟s milk is therefore extremely important for
the baby as it helps to develop the immune system in the infant. It has a profound impact on the physical
development of the child. It creates a psychological and emotional attachment between the mother and the baby.
VII. CAUSES OF MALNUTRITION
Malnutrition has been known to be a major health and nutrition problem in India with a
high prevalence among the pre-school children. It accounts for 46 per cent death among children below five
years of age. The causes of malnutrition can be briefly stated below:
Poverty: People from low-income groups cannot afford to procure proper quality and quantity of food to
meet their nutritional requirements. This deprivation adversely affects their capacity for physical work
resulting in low earning and poverty. Malnutrition is thus related to the vicious cycle of poverty.
Early pregnancy: Early teenage pregnancies are dangerous not only for the health of the mother but also for
the neonate. Chances of maternal and neonatal mortality and pregnancy related complications are high in
case a girl conceives before her body attains physical maturity.
Low birth weight: Malnourishment during pregnancy culminates into high incidences of low weight (<2.5
kg) during birth. Such infants are vulnerable to face growth retardation due to poor body nutritional reserve.
The mothers may also show poor lactation performance.
Infection and diseases: Diseases such as diarrhoea, pneumonia, measles, malaria and tuberculosis
precipitate into acute malnutrition and aggravate the existing nutritional deficit. Metabolic demands for
protein are higher during infections.
Poor breast-feeding practices: In absence of breast-feeding a child becomes susceptible to malnutrition.
Artificial feeding often proves to be disastrous for the baby because of the poor quality of the substitute
milk, excessive dilution and use of unhygienic feeding bottles and nipples.
Other causes: Repeated pregnancies, improper birth spacing, social taboos and separation of a child from
parents often results into malnutrition among children.
Malnutrition is the result of a complex interplay of interacting and related factors in the
individual, family and community. Improper and unbalanced dietary intake and diseases are the immediate
determinants of various signs and symptoms of malnutrition. It increases the susceptibility and severity of
infections among children. A number of other factors such as environmental, agricultural, and cultural including
various other factors have contributive effects resulting in malnutrition. Therefore it is widely recognized that a
multi-sectoral approach is necessary to tackle the problem of malnutrition.
4. Status and Challenges Of Child Malnutrition…
www.ijhssi.org 59 | P a g e
VIII. CONSEQUENCES OF MALNUTRITION
Malnourished and undernourished children have lower chances of survival than well-nourished ones.
These children have more susceptibility to childhood illnesses such as diarrhoea, measles, malaria, pneumonia
etc. Proper and balanced nutrition is important to ensure proper brain formation and development which starts
when a child is in the mother‟s womb. Nutritional deficiencies can adversely affect a child‟s Intelligence
Quotient (IQ). It results in increased risk of chronic diseases, low weight and height at later stages. It makes a
child prone to a number of chronic cardiovascular and diabetic diseases. PEM and iron deficiency anaemia are
the common causes of nutritional dwarfism. In gross nutritional deficit, the weight gain is slow and the muscles
are wasted (Ghai et.al., 2005).
IX. CHILD NUTRITIONAL STATUS IN WEST BENGAL WITH SPECIAL
REFERENCE TO KOLKATA MUNICIPAL CORPORATION AREA
Malnutrition plays a huge role in child mortality because the immune systems of these children are less
resistance to common childhood diseases. That is why common diarrhoea can kill a malnourished child. Child
health and malnutrition rates are unacceptably high in the country. A shocking 45.9 per cent of children under
the age of three are affected by malnutrition in India, with a state average of 43.5 per cent. Although the Infant
Mortality Rate (IMR) has slashed down in the last decade from 75 to 48 per cent but the contribution of
malnutrition to these deaths remain still the same. Incidences of malnutrition are most common among children
in under-five age group with peak incidence occurring between six months to three years. Children who are
artificially fed and remain deprived of mother‟s milk are more prone to various diseases especially Kwashiorkor
and Marasmus. For a detailed study the state has been divided into Jalpaiguri Division consisting of six districts
of Darjiling, Jalpaiguri, Koch Bihar, Uttar Dinajpur, Dakshin Dinajpur and Maldah, the Barddhaman Division
consisting of seven districts of Bankura, Birbhum, Barddhaman, Puruliya, Hugli, Purba Medinipur and Paschim
Medinipur and lastly the Presidency division consisting of six districts of Murshidabad, Nadia, Haora, North 24
Parganas, South 24 Parganas and Kolkata. The Integrated Child Development Scheme was launched in the state
in 1975 under which the Supplementary Nutrition Programme (SNP) was undertaken to elevate nutritional
status of pregnant women, lactating mothers, adolescent girls and child population. The achievements of the
SNP programme can be analyzed by dividing the total child population into 0-3 and 3-6 years age group
(Table.2). During 2006-07 the coverage of 0-3 age group in Jalpaiguri Division under SNP was 406,307 which
showed an increase of 78 per cent during 2008-09 and recorded a drop to 69 per cent during 2010-11. In case of
Barddhaman Division, the coverage was 996,401 children in the 0-3 age group during 2006-07 which rose by 94
per cent during 2008-09 with an eventual drop to 80 per cent during 2010-11. For Presidency Division the
coverage during 2006-07 was 958,494 which rose by 82 per cent during 2008-09 and by 89 per cent during
2010-11 (Fig.1).
5. Status and Challenges Of Child Malnutrition…
www.ijhssi.org 60 | P a g e
Table 2: District-wise Percentage Share of Underweight Babies (<2.5 kg) during Birth in West Bengal,
2005-06 to 2011-12
Administrative Divisions Districts Percentage Share
Jalpaiguri
Darjiling 17.21
Jalpaiguri 19.95
Koch Bihar 21.97
Uttar Dinajpur 18.74
Dakshin Dinajpur 19.64
Maldah 13.33
Barddhaman
Bankura 21.94
Birbhum 14.56
Barddhaman 17.64
Puruliya 23.71
Hugli 13.53
Purba Medinipur 11.85
Paschim Medinipur 20.37
Presidency
Nadia 21.88
Murshidabad 15.09
North 24 Parganas 14.14
South 24 Parganas 11.11
Kolkata (Mn.Corp.Area) 30.21
Haora 16.19
State West Bengal 17.41
Source: Computed from the data provided by Govt. of West Bengal
Though the overall coverage of child population in the 0-6 age group under nutrition programme is
rising in the state but the overall percentage achievement of target has been showing declining trends for some
districts like Uttar Dinajpur, Malda and Paschim Medinipur. The coverage of 3-6 age group has been steadily
rising for Jalpaiguri and Presidency divisions since 2006-07 though Barddhaman division showed an initial rise
during 2006-07 with an eventual drop during 2010-11. In case of Kolkata the coverage of 0-6 age group has
been steadily rising from 49,012 during 2006-07 to 61,279 in 2008-09 with a percentage achievement of 79.98
and to 79,421 during 2010-11 with a percentage achievement of 77.16 (Fig.2). The number of normal children
in terms of nutritional status has been rising from 28,188 during 2006-07 to 38,514 in 2010-11 with a percentage
achievement of 73.19 (Fig.3). There has been an abnormal increase in the number of Grade III and Grade IV
children usually considered as malnourished children in the city which has been of serious concern (Fig.4).
Fig.1 Data Source: Govt. of West Bengal
6. Status and Challenges Of Child Malnutrition…
www.ijhssi.org 61 | P a g e
Fig.2 Data Source: Govt. of West Bengal Fig.3
Fig.4 Data Source: Govt. of West Bengal
Preference of male children over females pre-dominates in the religious minority dominated slums of
East and South-west Kolkata especially in the Garden reach area. This part of the city suffers from low socio-
economic status of women. The mean age of marriage here is 14-16 years and the first child is born when a
woman is only 17 years of age. In some of the slums of South-east and old South Kolkata dominated by
migrated population from Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha and Chhattisgarh the mean age of marriage is 13-14 years
for girls and 15-17 years for boys. The women from those families have their first child during 15-16 years of
age (Fig.5). In the slums of North Kolkata especially in Borough no.1 the health status of mother is poor in
terms of immunization given during pregnancy and treatment of pregnancy related complications.
Most of the female slum dwellers visit their native place during pregnancy which includes the remote rural areas
of Bihar and Jharkhand and some in North and South 24 Parganas where domiciliary deliveries are conducted
by family members or by eldest woman in the village. The picture of slums is dreadful in Borough no.XI of
South-east Kolkata where tuberculosis is a common disease in the households and the male members of the
family often become crippled with the disease.
As a result the household becomes even more affected by poverty condition. The situation of maternal
and child health scenario in Borough no. VIII reveals a similar miserable picture especially in the religious
minority dominated areas in municipal wards of 65, 67, 69 and 68 under Borough no. VII (Table.3). Similar
condition prevails in the same for municipal slums under Borough no. XIV and XV. In some of the Boroughs of
7. Status and Challenges Of Child Malnutrition…
www.ijhssi.org 62 | P a g e
the city child sex ratio (no. of 0-6 years girls / 1,000 boys in the same age group) have been found to be
declining during the period 2001-11 especially in Borough nos. I, II, V, VIII, X, XI, XII and XIV. Child sex
ratio has registered a strong positive growth in Borough no. VII (Table.4). The average number of children per
family is comparatively high in East and South-west Kolkata where it is found to be 4-5 while in North and
Central Kolkata the average number of children per family is 3-4 (Fig.6). Lack of proper breast-feeding
practices is observed among the non-slum community where the neonate is breast-fed after 24 hours of birth.
This is dangerous for the infant since the first mother‟s milk is essential for the baby which provides resistance
against diseases immediately after birth. On the contrary, among the slum women a neonate is breast-fed within
24 hours of birth though in some households the baby is given to the mother after 24 hours of birth. (Fig.7). In
some of the slums of old South Kolkata and North Kolkata children are been breast-fed up to one year of age.
This is a rare picture in case of non-slum households. The children in the slums of Borough I, VII, XIV and XV
suffer from stunted growth and light-coloured hair which is mainly due to prevalence of malnourishment and
under-nourishment among them.
Table 3: Highlights on Child Population (0-6 years) in Kolkata, 2001-2011
Child Population
(2001)
Child Population
(2011)
Percentage of child
population to total
population (2001)
Percentage of child
population to total
population (2011)
390,282 339,323 8.53 7.55
Source: Computed from the data provided by Census of India
Table 4: Child Sex Ratio (0-6 years) in Kolkata, 2001-2011
Criteria Borough No.
Boroughs with positive change in child sex ratio I, III, IV, VI, VII, IX, XIII, XV
Boroughs with negative change in child sex ratio II, V, VIII, X, XI, XII, XIV
Source: Computed from the data provided by Census of India
X. FINDINGS FROM THE STUDY
This study reveals a poor state of child health condition in some districts. Crib and cot deaths coupled
with malnutrition is particularly high in districts of Maldah, Murshidabad, Uttar Dinajpur and South 24
Parganas. Other districts enlisted as having high proportion of malnourished children include Bankura,
Barddhaman, Purba Medinipur and Paschim Medinipur. The rural areas of these districts are characterized by
poverty, illiteracy, ignorance and negligence. Gender bias among male and female children has contributed to
higher degree of malnourishment among the girl children immediately after birth. The rural areas as well as the
slums and shanties of Kolkata are still dominated by early marriage of girls. The mean age of marriage of girls
in these areas are between 15-18 years. This results into early pregnancy. Due to low economic condition and
negligence of family members, proper nutritious diet is not provided during pregnancy and as a result the
women suffer from malnutrition, intra-uterine growth retardation and other pregnancy related complications.
Food rich in protein, vitamins and minerals are highly recommended during pregnancy. In the slums of the city
majority of the male members of the family work as labourers, rickshaw pullers, auto drivers and industrial
workers; their monthly income ranges between Rs.1,000-4,000. In the shanties the male workers work as
sweepers, rag pickers and scavengers. The women work as household maids, cook and some runs roadside food
stalls. They do not receive any care like ante-natal check up, nutritious diet, adequate rest during pregnancy or
during period of lactation.
In some slums and shanties domiciliary deliveries are still practiced. This is especially prevalent
among the slum households of North and East Kolkata. This is not only harmful for the new-born but also for
the mother since this unscientific conduct of the delivery process brings high risk of maternal as well as neonatal
death. The families of these areas are characterized by an average of 4-5 children per family. Health conscious
birth spacing is not followed. As a result the mother often suffers from under-nourishment and after birth their
8. Status and Challenges Of Child Malnutrition…
www.ijhssi.org 63 | P a g e
children inherit the symptoms of malnutrition. Negligence of the girl child is another reason behind prevalence
of malnutrition among adolescent girls. In the slums and shanties of the city malnutrition among children are
linked with their impoverished situation and low socio-economic background but the picture is dreadful among
the elite class where low prevalence of breast-feeding practices are seen among women owing to their financial
and social independence and hectic lifestyle. Often the child remains deprived of the motherly emotions
throughout childhood.
XI. CONCLUDING REMARKS
The condition of maternal and child health has been in a tragic state in West Bengal with some
initiatives taken by the State Government in recent years. The activities of ICDS in this respect have been
praiseworthy. The Anganwadi schools meant for the children of low socio-economic background has been
running successfully in various municipal wards of Kolkata. The health workers have been visiting households
to distribute iron tablets among pregnant women. The children in the Anganwadi schools are given nutritious
food like khichdi, vegetables, boiled egg and pulses. They are also provided with medicine in case of severe
malnourishment and taken to doctors for height and weight check-up at regular interval. The Government run
health centers in the city conduct institutional deliveries, ante-natal check up and post-natal check up for
mothers. Inspite of such initiatives worth mentioning, the coverage has not been satisfactory in various wards of
the city. The pregnant women and lactating mothers of the vulnerable groups in some areas are not aware of
Government initiatives and consequently they remain deprived of the benefits of the welfare programmes.
REFERENCES
In Print Media
[1] Bir, T. (2001): Dynamics of Health Culture: Urban Slum Community and Behaviour, Rajat Publications,
Delhi.
[2] Ehiri, J. (2009): Maternal and Child Health: Global Challenges, Programs and Policies; Springer, New
York.
[3] Ghai, O.P., Gupta, P., Paul, V.K (2005): Essential Pediatrics, 6th
edition, CBS Publishers and
Distributors, New Delhi.Ghosh, M. (1983): Metropolitan Calcutta: Economics of Growth, O.P.S
Publishers Private Ltd, Calcutta.
[4] Government of India and World Bank (2006): Strengthening ICDS for Reduction of Child Malnutrition,
Ministry of Women and Child Development, New Delhi.
[5] Government of India (2012): Children in India 2012- A Statistical Appraisal, Ministry of Statistics and
Programme Implementation, New Delhi.
[6] Mehta, M.N. (2000): Protein Energy Malnutrition, Ed. A. Parthasarathy et.al. Textbook of Pediatrics,
Jaypee Brothers, New Delhi.
[7] Svedberg, P. (2006): Declining child malnutrition: A Reassessment, Journal of Epidemiology, Vol.35,
Issue 5, Oxford University Press.
Retrieved from Electronic Media
www.censusindia.gov.in accessed on: 7.09.2013
www.wbhealth.gov.in accessed on: 7.09.2013
www.kmc.gov.in accessed on: 8.09.2013