Number of malnourished children on rise in Helmand

LASHKARGAH (Pajhwok): Local health officials say the number of children suffering from malnutrition in southern Helmand province has sharply increased.

Dr. BismillahAhmadzai, in charge of caring for malnourished children in MalikaSuraya Hospital in Lashkargah, the provincial capital, told Pajhwok Afghan News that 1,500  malnourished children were admitted to the hospital for treatment in the past six months.

He said that three of the children died, 720 recovered and 20 others sent to Kabul and Kandahar provinces for better treatment.

He said that 757 children were still being treated at MalikaSuraya Hospital.

“In the first 11 months of 1,400 solar year, we registered 1,560 malnourished children compared to 900 cases in 1399 solar year,” he said.

Health professionals say that most minors faced malnourishment if their mothers do not breastfeed them properly after birth.

Dr. NazifaWahidi, a professional at the pediatric section in the hospital, said,”Many mothers do not feed their children properly, babies should be breastfed for up to two years.”

She said that most of malnourished children are less than five years of age.

mds/ma

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