18,000 children diagnosed with severe acute malnutrition

A government-led nutrition assessment in Nepal has revealed that more than 18,000 children are suffering from severe acute malnutrition (SAM). The National Nutrition Assessment Campaign, conducted by the Ministry of Health and Food Safety, identified 18,309 children with SAM out of 1.035 million children examined between April 28 and May 29. The campaign focused on children aged 6 months to 59 months.

Madhesh Province reported the highest number of SAM cases, with 8,380 children affected. Other provinces with significant numbers include Lumbini (3,015), Sudurpaschim (1,758), Koshi (1,590), Karnali (1,503), Bagmati (1,401), and Gandaki (662).

Children diagnosed with SAM are receiving ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) to help them recover. For those who do not improve with RUTF, both mothers and children are treated at 25 rehabilitation centers nationwide. The Nutrition Branch Chief, Lila Bikram Thapa, also noted that Madhes Province had the highest number of children with general acute malnutrition, totaling 38,948.

"Since the number of severe acute malnutrition is high, a plan will be developed and implemented to address the situation," Thapa stated, highlighting the government's commitment to tackling the issue.

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Since the number of severe acute malnutrition is high, a plan will be developed and implemented to address the situation.