Among the victims, 57 children below the age of 5 have been affected with serious malnutrition while 546 others have been diagnosed with moderate level of malnutrition.
The report was prepared by Gorkha District Health Office during its regular medical check-up campaigns. After the quake, the DHO has been conducting free birthing services at various 11 areas of Gorkha district.
According to Nawaraj Khadka, health assistant at the DHO, malnutrition in humans is the consequence of deficiency of nutritious food on a regular basis. “Children become prone to malnutrition when there is a shortage of good food. Such condition must have been the result of irregular food intake in the affected households after the earthquake,” said Khadka.
Serious cases of malnutrition among the children have been found mainly at the rural areas of Gorkha. The number of victims is highest in Kerauja, Thumi, Sharupani and Bhacchek VDCs. Among them, four serious cases have been diagnosed in Kerauja VDC alone.
“The families of the victims are totally dependent on the food items that come in relief packages. Moreover, the quality of water they drink is also rarely checked,” said Nanbabu Dani, a health assistant.
The affected families and the children are getting regular check-ups at various medical camps across the district. The centers have been established at Gorkha Hospital, Arughat, Jaubari, Makaisingh, Saurpani, Bhanchek, Maabu, Aappipal, Sirdibash and Chyamlima VDCs.
“The children diagnosed with malnutrition have been receiving regular medical treatment. In this situation, they need proper care,” said Khadka.
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