Two more children die of malnutrition in Tharparkar, toll reaches 167
Famine-struck people have demanded the government to announce a package for their ease.
THARPARKAR (Dunya News) – Two more children died in famine-hit Tharparkar today (Wednesday), taking death toll to 167 in 48 days.
Malnourished families have started migrating to Badin and other areas as Tharparkar no longer has fodder for their cattle. The locals are migrating to Thar’s adjoining areas for fodder and due to Sindh government’s inadequate measures.
Tharparkar is a home to more than 60 lac cattle which provide source of income to residents. However, locals have started migrating to other areas as fodder for their cattle is all consumed before the expected time.
Famine-struck people have demanded the government to announce a package for their ease.
On the other hand, death tally has hit tragic 167 in around 48 days. Reportedly, poor arrangements in hospitals and lack of basic facilities are adding to the severity of the issue.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines, if the Global Acute Malnutrition (GAM) rate among children and women is above 15 percent, it is to be considered an emergency situation.
During the National Nutrition Survey conducted in 2011, the GAM rate in the province of Sindh is 17.5 per cent and the Severely Acute Malnutrition (SAM) is 6.6 per cent.
In 2014, the Sindh government announced establishment of Thar Development Authority to address the problem, however, the draft is still pending for approval.
By February 13 the tally was 161 in 44 days.
