In an alarming revelation for Nepal, nearly 21 percent of the country\u2019s children suffer from zinc deficiency.<\/p>\n
A report released by Nepal National Micronutrient Status Survey (NNMSS) on August 29,2018 indicates a negative trend in the early growth of children between the age groups of 6 and 59 months.<\/p>\n
This has a high chance of stunting children\u2019s growth and makes them vulnerable to diseases such as diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting.<\/p>\n
Dr. Santosh Manandhar, paediatrician at Kanti Children\u2019s Hospital says breastfeeding up to a certain age is a must for children\u2019s overall growth.<\/p>\n
\u201cA child experiences a deficiency of micronutrients such as zinc if they are not fed proper nutritional diets such as mother\u2019s milk. The chances of stunting, hypogonadism and poor immunity in a child are high due to such deficiency.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Health experts identify unhealthy diet and lifestyle as responsible for the deficiency of micronutrients. However, figures suggest that people with access to healthy diet and lifestyle also suffer micronutrient deficiency.<\/p>\n
Drinking water, sanitation and provision of quality food are essential to fight the deficiency of micronutrients. Hence, experts urge authorities to pay attention to these areas.<\/p>\n
Following are the detailed findings of the report:<\/strong><\/p>\n
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- In the age-group of 6-59 months, 28 percent children living in the mountains were identified with zinc deficiency. Followed by 23 percent in the hills and 18 percent in the Terai region<\/li>\n
- Helicobacter Pylori is found in Nepali children and women. 20 percent of the children between 6 to 59 months and 40 percent of non-expectant women between 15-49 years have H Pylori infection. This can cause ulcer and even stomach cancer<\/li>\n
- There is a lack of iron among children between 6 to 59 months. 19 percent had anemia, 28 percent had iron deficiency and 11 percent are suffering with iron deficiency anemia<\/li>\n
- Anemia was highly visible in expectant women between 15-49 years compared to non-expectant women<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n