Musahars, a tribal sect trapped in a ruthless caste system, get their name from the Sanskrit word, (mūṣ), that means rat or mouse. They were once ratcatchers, who were later employed to work on agricultural lands and quarries. Measly income and social constraints prevent these people from buying what they harvest with their own hands. Without many options, they feed on rats and any other scraps the families can afford to gather.
The WHO estimates that 30% of the world's malnourished children live in India.
For those of us accustomed to hearing about malnutrition around the world, this reality hits too close to home. Bihar has one of the worst child health indicators with over 40% of screened children in Masarhi diagnosed with acute malnutrition.
According to the UN, 2.1 million Indian children die before reaching the age of 5 every year – four every minute - mostly from preventable illnesses such as diarrhea, typhoid, malaria, measles and pneumonia. Every day, 1,000 Indian children die because of diarrhea alone.
The sad plight of young lives in Masari, Bihar
In a screen of 411 children at the small village of Masahri, 74 were categorized as SAM (Severe Acute Malnutrition) cases, and 99 under MAM (Moderate Acute Malnutrition) cases. The statistics show 43% of children underweight, 48% with stunted growth, 53% exclusively breastfed for just six months, and only 7% getting adequate complementary nutrition between 6-23 months.According to WHO, 35% of undernourishment cases are fatal.
Feeding the future of India
Doctors For You NGO stumbled upon this terrifying situation while conducting a survey related to establishing medical centers. Astonished by the reports, DFY initiated a community-based program for acute malnutrition management in Masarhi Panchayat. With the help of frontline health workers and the community itself, DFY is working towards saving and curing the affected children.They use a simple method to identify cases including measurement of height, weight, and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), followed by moving the children to the medical center for triage and appetite test. Finally, the diagnosed SAM and MAM children are treated with RUTF (ready-to-eat therapeutic food) as they are nursed back to health.
DFY has become successful in creating a sustainable impact on these lives by monitoring the children’s progress, offering at-home treatment options, and teaching families to continue with effective yet affordable ways to care for their children.
It is a success, but there is a long way to go
Under this community initiative, DFY has saved and cured 10 SAM children and 24 MAM children so far. With an expanding population, child marriages still in practice, lack of facilities for pregnant women, and large economic disparity, there are hundreds of children battling malnutrition across Bihar.DFY calls for support from individuals and groups to help them tackle these cases as and when they are diagnosed. Currently, the NGO has 30 SAM and 20 MAM children who are awaiting therapy.
How can you help?
To support the recovery of a SAM child, one week supply of RUTF (Ready To Use Therapeutic Food) is essential. This is given as per body weight along with a course of antibiotics, deworming medicine, and Vitamin A supplements. A SAM child’s 6-month treatment is estimated to cost Rs.10588.Nutritional Pack for SAM child | ||||
Sl No | Item | Rate per pack | Quantity (for 24 weeks) | Total |
1 | RUTF | 28 | 2 packets per day , 14 packets /month, 336 packets/ 24 weeks | 9408 |
2 | BANANA | 2 rupees/ piece | 7 for week 168 per 24 weeks | 340 |
3 | Egg | 5 rupees/piece | 7 for week 168 per 24 weeks | 840 |
Total Cost per pack (INR) | 10588 Approx | |||
To support the recovery of a MAM child, one week supply of Hyderabad Mix is necessary. It is a nutritional supplement made by the locals from readily available, culturally acceptable resources like wheat flour, bengal gram flour and ground nut powder. These ingredients are roasted together in ghee and given in measured amounts with jaggery along with micronutrient supplements. A MAM child’s 6-month treatment plan is estimated at a cost of Rs. 6780.
Nutritional Pack for MAM child | ||||
Sl No | Item | Rate per pack | Quantity (for 24 weeks) | Total |
1 | Hyderbad Mix | 20 rupees | 2 packets per day , 14 packets /month, 280 packets/ 20 weeks | 5600 |
2 | BANANA | 2 rupees/ piece | 7 for week 168 per 24 weeks | 340 |
3 | Egg | 5 rupees/piece | 7 for week 168 per 24 weeks | 840 |
Total Cost per pack (INR) | 6780 | |||
Your support can save one young life at a time. Donate now. To contact the campaign organizer for any further details, click here.
