Every third child born is underweight 8212; Experts

CHANDIGARH, SEPT 14: A state-level workshop on the theme of preventing malnutrition among children under two years of age was organised by the Chandigarh Unit of Food and Nutrition Board, Government of India.

Explaining the theme of the workshop, N.P. Jain, Assistant Technical Adviser, stated that every third child born in the country is underweight. quot;It is important to understand the nutritional requirement of the child right from the intra-uterine stage till the age of two. Risk of death from common childhood diseases is doubled for a mildly malnourished child and may be as high as eight times for a severely malnourished one,quot; he said.

Delivering the inaugural address, Dr Prem Lata, head of department of pediatrics, PGI, highlighted that growth faltering begins at 4-6 months and requires the introduction of complimentary feeding. Speaking on the nutritional risks associated with young children, Dr M.P. Manocha, director of family welfare, stressed that exclusive breast feeding during the first five months and timely supplementation through correct weaning foods are the key factors.