Mumbai: NGO Praja Tuesday released its report on the “state of health of children in anganwadis and municipal schools”.
The report highlighted that 17 per cent children in anganwadis across Mumbai were underweight in 2018-19, of which, 2,713 were severely underweight.
According to the Praja report, of the children screened in 2018-19 in MCGM schools, 7,383 students were underweight while 1,421 were overweight, reflecting the double burden of malnutrition.
At least 2,212 students had vitamin A deficiency, while 1,652 had deficiency of vitamins B, C and D in 2018-19, all of which was primarily caused by nutritional deficiencies.
The report stated that 3,106 cases of anaemia were detected in 2018-19 among MCGM school children, of which 70 per cent were girls.
“Undernutrition continues to be a serious problem faced by children in the city,” stated Yogesh Mishra, head of research and data at Praja Foundation.
He added, “Under the central government’s mid-day meal scheme, government schools provide nutritious afternoon meals to students. However, a large number of children are still afflicted with nutrition-related deficiencies. This clearly highlights the need for additional nutritional supplements for a balanced and rich diet with an emphasis on physical fitness, and overall hygienic environment.”
Praja also stated that there was a need to revamp primary health care through public dispensaries and improved monitoring of health in the city.
