Jajpur/Sukinda: The problem of malnutrition continues to plague the hilltop Nagada villages in Sukinda block of Jajpur district as over 24 children were found suffering from the condition, a report said Wednesday.
The district administration, which implemented a host of developmental schemes to combat malnutrition, seems to have failed in its efforts.
Under these circumstances, observers claimed that only mass awareness programmes highlighting the benefits of developmental schemes could bring the primitive Juanga tribals of the villages to the mainstream. They stressed on forming a team to carry out mass awareness programmes for the purpose.
The state government launched several developmental schemes in Nagada villages in the remote Chingudupal panchayat after 21 children died of malnutrition last year.
The kids not only suffered from malnutrition but also had anaemic condition as confirmed by their blood test.
The government spent over Rs 13 crore to construct a road to facilitate connectivity to the hilltop villages. Secretaries of various departments visited the villages and reviewed the implementation drinking water, power supply, road connectivity and healthcare projects.
The construction of drinking water project, roads, schools and Anganwadi centres are all under way.
However, the death of three children since April this year has sent alarm bells ringing again despite the state government displaying promptitude in implementing the developmental schemes.
It is alleged Juanga tribals continue to lead their primitive lifestyle and are yet to accept government schemes.
The tribal women adopt traditional delivery practices at home instead of going for institutional delivery. The inhabitants stay away from regular vaccination programmes and sleep in the open instead of using a mosquito net which has been responsible for most of their health problems.
The tribals have even refused to use water filters and chose to drink water collected from a creeks which give rise to water-borne and other diseases. The practice of child marriage is also rampant in the hilltop villages as the villagers marry off their children at a tender age.
Chief district medical officer Phanindra Kumar Panigrahi said his department is laying stress on the villages and undertaking mass awareness programmes to educate the tribals. PNN
