Public Health

Malnutrition Claims More Lives

VIVAnews - Six children suffering from malnutrition deceased within the last week. Two dead infants Yustina Ina, 1.7, and Yayan, 1.5, passed away in Sumba Tengah Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, died in the first week of January 2009. 

Meanwhile, another four newborns, former Timor Leste refugees inhabiting Oebelo refugee camp, Kupang Regency, died in December 2008.

Director of Immanuel Waingapu Hospital Dani Ch said on Thursday, Jan 8, that prior to being under treatment in Immanuel Hospital , both victims were treated in local clinic. "After no progress was made, the patients was brought to Immanuel Hospital. However, they finally died on Wednesday," Dani said.

According to Dani, the patients were already critical and under serious dehydration. "Their weights were less than three kilograms. We've tried to help them. But they were already critical," Dani said.

He went on to say that six other babies who are in critical condition are still admitting the hospital. "One of the patients is Arga Setiawan (9 months). He only weighs four kilograms," he said.

In Kupang Regency, the local government has taken immediate measure by launching health posts in diarrhea-prone areas. The attempt is aimed at preventing more patients from dying.

"In addition, most of the victims were babies suffering from malnutrition," said Head of Counseling, Disease Prevention and Eradication Division at the Health Agency of Kupang Regency Lalu Budiarja.

In 2008, the number of deceased victims reached 28. Most of the victims were from poor families living in isolated areas.

The malnutrition case broke in early 2009 after the central government refuted fund proposal amounting to Rp 50.4 billion (US$4,613,479) submitted to Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare. The refusal caused supplemental food supply for babies suffering from malnutrition be interrupted. At least, 100 thousand infants in 20 regencies/municipalities are still suffering from malnutrition.

Coverage: Jemris Fointuna | Kupang
Translated by: Bonardo Maulana Wahono

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