Bihar has one of the worst child health indicators with 43% children being underweight, 48% stunted, 53 % being exclusively breastfed for 6 months and only 7 % children getting adequate complementary feed between 6-23 months (NFHS-4). In a screen at village Masari in Bihar, out of 411 screened, 74 were Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) and 99 were moderate acute malnutrition (MAM). Severe acute malnutrition is a life threatening condition requiring urgent treatment. According to WHO, 35% of the undernourishment leads to fatality.
Moved by these indicators, Doctors For You NGO started a community based programme for malnutrition management in an underdeveloped village of Masari. Under the program the NGO has successfully saved and cured 10 SAM children and 24 MAM children. But the case are more and more for the NGO to tackle in the village. Doctors For You call for support individual and groups to help it in battling the cases. The NGO has 30 SAM and 20 MAM children to be supported urgently.
How can you support ?
To support the recovery of a SAM child, one week supply of RUTF (Ready To Use Therapeutic Food) is essential. This is given as per body weight along with a course of antibiotics, Deworming and Vitamin A supplementation. A SAM child’s 6 month treatment could be managed in 10588 INR rupees.
Nutritional Pack for SAM child
| Sl No | Item | Rate per pack | Quantity (for 24 weeks) | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | RUTF | 28 | 2 packets per day, 14 packets /month, 336 packets/ 24 weeks |
9408 |
| 2 | BANANA | 2 rupees/ piece | 7 for week 168 per 24 weeks |
340 |
| 3 | Egg | 5 rupees/piece | 7 for week 168 per 24 weeks |
840 |
| Total Cost per pack (INR) | 10588 Aprox: |
To support the recovery of a MAM child, one week supply of Hyderabad Mix. It is a nutritional supplement made locally by women from locally available, culturally acceptable foods like wheat flour, bengal gram flour and ground nut powder. All are roasted together in ghee. This is given in measured amounts with jaggery along with micronutrient supplements. A MAM child’s 6 month treatment could be managed in 6780 INR rupees.
Nutritional Pack for MAM child2 packets per day , 14 packets /month, 280 packets/ 20 weeks
| Sl No | Item | Rate per pack | Quantity (for 24 weeks) | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hyderbad Mix | 20 rupees | 2 packets per day, 14 packets /month, 280 packets/ 24 weeks |
5600 |
| 2 | BANANA | 2 rupees/ piece | 7 for week 168 per 24 weeks |
340 |
| 3 | Egg | 5 rupees/piece | 7 for week 168 per 24 weeks |
840 |
| Total Cost per pack (INR) | 6780 Aprox: |
Your support can save a life.