Malnutrition among children, adolescents and women is still a serious public health problem. About half of under-five children are affected by stunting. The proportion of underweight children is around 48%. Of them, 10% suffer from acute malnutrition and 13% by a combination of stunting, vitamin A deficiency and iron deficiency. It is believed that one of the main causes for malnutrition is the high prevalence of worm infestation, which is very high in rural areas (74% as per a survey conducted in three districts). Similarly, the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia is equally high (46% among adolescent girls, 78% among preschool children and 75% among pregnant women).
Continuation of exclusive breast feeding beyond six months, without any complementary feeding is another cause of malnutrition among infants and children. The situation of Vitamin A deficiency disorders has improved over the years but it is still a public health problem, as indicated by the prevalence of night blindness among pregnant women and women of reproductive age (6% and 4.7% respectively). The initiative by the Ministry of Health on the micronutrient intensification program, with the focus on iron supplementation during pregnancy and postpartum is continuing but the desired outcomes are awaited.
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