Doctors at the Bamyan Provincial Hospital report that the number of children suffering from malnutrition in this province is on the rise.
According to statistics, more than 160 children suffering from malnutrition have been treated at this hospital in the last three months.
Poor economic conditions of families, premature birth of children, lack of proper nutrition for mothers during pregnancy, and non-adherence to hygiene practices are cited as the main causes of the increase in malnutrition among children.
Doctor Zalmay Gulzad said: “31 patients were treated in June, 61 in July, and 69 in August of this year from Bamyan Province at Bamyan Provincial Hospital, and among them, three children have died.”
Another doctor, Obaidullah Siddiqi, said: “Children weighing less than 2,500 grams are suffering from this disease, and maternal malnutrition after pregnancy, along with fluctuations in weather conditions, are the main causes of malnutrition among children.”
Some families say they cannot afford to provide proper food for their children due to poor economic conditions.
Khadija, a patient, said: “We do not have a good financial situation, but we are forced to buy milk from the market for our child; if we do not buy milk, the child’s condition will not improve.”
Earlier, doctors at Bamyan Provincial Hospital had also reported an increase in infectious diseases among children, particularly vomiting accompanied by diarrhea.
