The Odisha government informed the Assembly on Saturday that 11,710 children in the state are currently suffering from Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM).

Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, overseeing the Women and Child Development Department, shared this data in response to a query from BJP MLA Laxman Bag.

Among the districts, Mayurbhanj, with its significant tribal population, reported the highest number of SAM cases, totaling 1,460 children. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi’s home district, Keonjhar, followed with 1,269 affected children, while Nabarangpur recorded 760 cases.

Other districts with a higher prevalence of SAM include Rayagada (645), Kalahandi (636), Malkangiri (570), Ganjam (558), and Balasore (536). In contrast, Jagatsinghpur reported the lowest number, with 50 children identified as malnourished among Odisha’s 30 districts.

The deputy CM also outlined government initiatives aimed at combating malnutrition. These include the Supplementary Nutrition Programme, Mukhymantri Samproona Pushti Yojana (MSPY), Pada Prusti Karyakram (PPK), and Mamata Diwas-VHND (Village Health and Nutrition Day), all implemented through Anganwadi centers across the state.

These programs reflect the government’s efforts to address the pressing issue of malnutrition among children and improve their overall health and well-being.

Source: PTI

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