Lyari children acutely malnourished
KARACHI: The Lyari General Hospital (LGH) organised a day long programme to commemorate the International Children Day, involving both mothers and kids to help improve physical, mental and emotional stability of kids. The event comprising three different sessions focused at highlighting the fact that malnourishment registered among no less than 22 per cent to 25 per cent of the mothers and around 80 per cent of the kids visiting LGH could be easily curtailed in a cost effective manner. Head of Paediatrics Department, LGH, Prof Ayesha Mehnaz, addressing the first session meant for doctors, mentioned that 80 per cent of the children visiting LGH and identified as malnourished included 40 per cent of those who were exposed to third degree malnourishment.
She highlighted significance of balanced diet and how to manage micronutrient deficiencies among children as well as mothers. Dr Nawaz and Dr Mehboob conducted the consequent session which was a health education programme for mothers attending or admitted to the paediatrics department and/ or gynecology and obstetric department – LGH. The two doctors explicitly discussed significance of nutrition for mothers, their newborn/ infants and children in general. They particularly emphasised on importance of breast-feeding. Mothers were further sensitised about importance of four basic food items namely rice, pulses, milk and fruits which were essential components of a balanced diet, prerequisite for physical and mental growth of kids.
Packets of these four items were also distributed among the mothers attending the session. Simultaneously along with the sessions for doctors and mothers- an elaborate entertainment programme was held for kids admitted to the hospital along with children visiting/attending the OPD. They participated in a dance and song competition besides being entertained by singers and musicians who happened to be young doctors working at LGH and Civil Hospital, Karachi.
Source: The News
Date:11/28/2006
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