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Bhubaneswar, Odisha – Alarming figures shared by the Odisha government reveal a growing crisis of Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) affecting children across the state. According to the latest report presented in the state Assembly, 11,710 children have been diagnosed with SAM, with Mayurbhanj district registering the highest number of cases.
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, who oversees the Women and Child Development Department, addressed the issue in response to a question raised by BJP MLA Laxman Bag. Parida highlighted that the situation is particularly dire in districts like Keonjhar and Nabarangpur, which also report a significant number of malnutrition cases.
The rising number of SAM cases has raised concerns about the effectiveness of existing measures, prompting the state government to intensify efforts to address the issue. To combat malnutrition, the government has ramped up its intervention programs through various schemes, such as the Supplementary Nutrition Programme and the Mukhymantri Samproona Pushti Yojana. These initiatives are being implemented at Anganwadi centers across the state to provide much-needed nutritional support to vulnerable children.
Parida emphasized the government’s commitment to tackling this urgent issue, noting that additional resources and efforts are being directed towards these high-need areas. The government’s focus remains on improving access to nutritious food and healthcare services for children, as part of a comprehensive approach to reduce the prevalence of malnutrition in Odisha.
As concerns over child health and nutrition mount, the state administration faces increasing pressure to ensure that these interventions effectively curb the spread of SAM, ensuring a healthier future for Odisha’s children.
