Govandi slum kids top SAM charts: Survey
According to a survey conducted by the Fight Hunger Foundation, non-governmental organisation (NGO) last year over 170 children were found to be suffering from Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) and 439 children suffering from Moderate acute malnutrition. This survey was conducted in the Govandi M/E ward which has three slums such as Umerkhadi, Sathe Nagar and transit camps.
The number of issues was highlighted in the survey like migration, lack of awareness, unemployment, anaemic pregnant women, leading to malnutrition in children. Situated near a dumping yard, the residents of these slums live among the pollution caused by frequent minor fires in the vicinity. The narrow, suffocating lanes between their houses make it further difficult for them to lead healthy lives.
A senior official from the health department said the survey was conducted to assess the nutrition status of children aged 0-5 years months living in these slum areas. “We do an active screen of children to find out which children malnourished and needs a proper medical care,” said Bhami Vora, Nutritionist, FHF, NGO
She further added if a children’s are severely malnourished and unable to cope up with medical treatment then they are referred to nearby civic-run hospital for further treatment. “Till now three kids have been referred to Rajawadi for recuperation from malnourishment,” said Vora.
As the corporators are claiming they are doing their job and these NGOs are are giving false numbers of children who are malnourished. “We are doing our job and NGO’s claims are false since if they do not blow up the things they won't be getting their grants,” said Rais Shaikh, corporator.
Shaikh further added there may be malnourished children in these slum area but the government is reaching to them and given the proper treatment as needed.