BY LYNTON AARON FILIA
THE country’s young generation is suffering from malnourishment as a result of poor diet and recurrent infections, it is reported.
Children are the worse affected and are at a greater risk of getting sick or even death.
A recent Health Core Indicator Report of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services said children between 12 and 17 months old are vulnerable.
The HIS Health Facility Monthly Report also revealed 10 percent of children from 2015-2017 were classified as malnourished or severely malnourished.
Choiseul province recorded the highest number of malnourished children at 13 percent, while Rennell-Bellona three percent and Malaita five percent – recorded as the lowest during the same period.
Choiseul recorded highest in terms of infant and under-five mortality rates for the same period, according the health ministry’s report.
“Around one in ten children under two years are malnourished or severely malnourished, and children are most likely to suffer from malnourishment is between 12 and 17 months old.”
MHMS said such findings and observation is important for its daily operations especially the Reproductive Health, Maternal and Child Health (RMNCAH) division.
Although the report may be an artefact of small numbers and currently unknown reporting bias, the consistency of the trend over the four years analysed and between the provinces indicates this is worth further investigation.
MHMS adds, the need for family planning is a concern despite significant improvements.
It said health for women and children is Solomon Islands continues to be priority to set focus on high maternal mortality, out-of-facility births, and recent increases in incidence of STIs and high unmet needs.
Nutritional imbalance and malnutrition resulting in under-nutrition (assessed by underweight, stunting and wasting) are important public health indicators for monitoring population health.
