GURUGRAM: A recently-concluded survey by the women and child development department has revealed that nearly 2,500 kids in the city are malnourished.
The report on the status of malnourishment in the city claims that the study, conducted in April, covered around one lakh children below five years and it was found that 2.5% of them were malnourished with stunted growth.
The document has been submitted to the government for action planning.
According to officials of the women and child development department, the survey was carried out by Anganwadi workers using anthropometric measurements (it includes measurement of height, weight and body mass index (BMI).
During the survey, visible signs of weakness and stunted growth were recorded and most number of such children were found in the urban areas.
“The study has found that slums have the maximum number of malnourished children.
These kids mostly belong to families of migrant workers and are living under extreme conditions with poor state of hygiene, sanitation, and drinking water.
The survey was conducted to assess the situation that will form the basis of our intervention to improve the nutritional status of these children,” said Sunaina Khatri, the district programme officer.
The department now plans to coordinate with the health department and conduct medical screening of these children.
It will determine the kind of medical care and nutritional support each child needs.
“We are reaching out to industries and corporations and inviting proposals under their CSR activities.
They can help us provide nutritional meals and other support that these children need,” Khatri added.