नेपाल सम्वत् ११४५ थिंलागाः १२ ( १२ पुष , २०८१) डिसेम्बर २७, २०२४ , शुक्रबार, बाँपीझ्याला । Over 1,500 children under five years old in Banke district have been diagnosed with malnutrition—either moderate or severe—in the past five months. However, health officials suspect the actual number could be higher as not all children in this age group have been screened. A new screening initiative has been launched to determine the full extent of the crisis.

Malnutrition remains a silent health crisis in Nepal, despite significant progress in reducing stunting among children under five, which has decreased from 57% in 2001 to 25% in 2022. However, disparities persist across provinces, with Lumbini Province, where Banke is located, reporting over 16% of children under five suffering from wasting, the most severe and life-threatening form of malnutrition.

Experts warn that the sharp increase in malnutrition cases in Banke could impede Nepal’s efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, including reducing stunting to 15%, wasting to 4%, and underweight prevalence to 10%. Severe acute malnutrition, in particular, poses immediate risks, requiring hospital admission and urgent treatment. Moderate malnutrition, if untreated, could escalate into more severe conditions, increasing mortality risk among young children.

Efforts to combat malnutrition include distributing ready-to-use food, operating nutrition rehabilitation homes, and launching multisectoral initiatives. However, experts emphasize that addressing malnutrition requires a broader approach that tackles underlying issues such as poverty, poor sanitation, low education levels, and inadequate awareness.

Dr. Shyam Raj Upreti, a child health expert, stressed the importance of preventive measures and addressing the root causes of malnutrition. Similarly, Lila Bikram Thapa, chief of the Nutrition Section at the Family Welfare Division, called for coordinated efforts among stakeholders to implement Nepal’s multisectoral nutrition plan.

Beyond the immediate health impacts, malnutrition significantly hinders children’s mental and physical growth, affecting their intellectual capacity, productivity in adulthood, and susceptibility to diseases. Experts underscore that a holistic and sustainable approach is vital to tackling malnutrition, as it not only addresses health disparities but also strengthens Nepal’s overall economic health.