Malnutrition A Concern For Arakan State

Malnutrition A Concern For Arakan State
by -
Narinjara

Arakan State in western Burma is the second poorest state in the country, with a staggering high poverty rate of 78 percent, said Maung Maung Swe, an officer-in-charge of the Save the Children branch in Arakan State.

He made the comments to discuss problems of malnutrition in the state during a program in Pauktaw that was part of nutrition promotion month currently being observed across the country for the month of August.

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“Burma is in the list of least developed countries in Asia and its poverty rate is 37.5 per cent. As poverty is high, children in the Arakan State are facing malnutrition,” he said explaining that Save the Children has been promoting nutritious development for children in 36 villages in Arakan State.

Physician’s Assistant Dr Aung Kyaw Than, of Pauktaw Township’s Health Department, said the malnutrition rate is high both in the township and in the state—highlighting the importance of observing the nutrition promotion month.

Activities planned for Arakan State, said Aung Kyaw Than, included breastfeeding monitoring in the first week, in the second week nutrition for children under five, and final weeks: healthcare of pregnant women and lactating mothers.

U Khin Maung Oo, township administrator for Pauktaw, said: “Full nutrition is needed for physical growth, good health, and high intelligence. This will only be achieved when the public, organisations, and government departments can cooperate. Only when children and youths have full nutrition and high intelligence will they become good citizens who can work for the country.”

Reporting by San Maung Than for Narinjara News
Translated by Thida Linn
Edited by BNI staff

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