Govt takes a filmy way to reduce infant mortality

In an attempt to address the issue of infant mortality and diarrhoea deaths among children in Bengal,the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) and the state government have decided to launch a short film campaign.

In an attempt to address the issue of infant mortality and diarrhoea deaths among children in Bengal,the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) and the state government have decided to launch a short film campaign.

West Bengal may be better positioned in terms of infant mortality rate 48 as compared to states like Madhya Pradesh,Bihar,Orissa and Uttar Pradesh but it still lags behind Tamil Nadu and Kerela.

Out of every 1,000 children,35 die each year before their first birthday. It,however,stands better than the national average of 55 deaths.

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Two issues have been identified for the short films promoting breast feeding and curbing diseases like diarrhoea deaths through ORS and zinc tablets.

Hospitals,even those that are run by us,have doctors suggesting tinned milk as supplements to breast feed which is not correct. ORS and zinc should be taken in case of diarrhea,but people still lack knowledge about it, said State Health Minister Surjya Kanta Mishra.

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