Under-5 child mortality still high in K’taka; experts for focus on nutrition

BENGALURU: Despite better health care facilities being available across the state, Karnataka has been witnessing a high number of child deaths over the last few years due to various reasons. Infant mortality is especially high in northern Karnataka though AIIMS-like institutes have come up at all major district headquarters.

According to the Health Management System report, there have been 5,167 deaths of children aged below five in last six months. Of this 3, 648 are neonatal deaths. This number could increase in the coming months. The number of child deaths (up to the age of five) was 9,121 in 2020-21 and 9,050 in 2021-22.

Malnutrition is one of the major health issues among children in north Karnataka. Other factors which contribute to child deaths are delay in admission to hospitals, change in lifestyle, and in some cases, non-availability of wards as they have been earmarked for Covid-19 treatment.

Hi-tech health care facilities have been created in all major districts.

Health and Family Welfare Department Deputy Director Basavaraj Dabata said, “The increasing number of child mortality is matter of concern, but the situation can be improved with a little more effort from the district health authorities. The Health officials in the districts are now asking for detailed reports from government and private hospitals on reducing child and infant mortality”, he said.

He also pointed out that deaths of children due to factors other than health issues, like accidents, are also counted along with the other,which is why the number is big.

“ASHA workers go to every house wherever there is a child birth and keep track of the infant’s health for a period of five months. This has now been increased to one-and-half years. The government has implemented the Kishori scheme to improve nutrition among adolescent girls. The Special Newborn Care Units (SNCU) have been increased from 41 to 50 across the state, which will start operating from this year itself”, he added.

Basavaraj Dabata, DD, Health department.

“According to the HMS report, child mortality has declined from 26 per 1,000 live births to 21 in 2022. The state has already achieved its target by reducing 5 points. The report says, 3648 child deaths were reported from April to September this year. Committees have been formed in every district to monitor child mortality”, Basavaraj noted.

“The Health Department is focused on preventing child mortality. The ASHA workers also creating awareness among pregnant women and focusing on institutional and home care after delivery. If we improve the levels of nutrition among children, we will get better result in the coming days”, he added.