KARACHI, Nov 16: Despite tall claims made by certain organisations about their successful attempts to address the rampant malnutrition among local women and children, the country continues to register a high per centage of low birth weight and infant mortality rate.

Much of the childhood morbidity and mortality in the country is related to low birth weight and intrauterine malnutrition. Not only are these infants more prone to infections and early deaths, but they also grow up as malnourished stunted children and adolescents with limited physical and intellectual capabilities.

LBW is a multi-factorial disorder with its origin firmly ensconced in maternal malnutrition.

Doctors said that a dual strategy is needed to achieve a reduction in LBW.

They called for measures to bring about a long-term change in women’s economic status, health education besides socio-cultural development focused at improving nutrition and maternal/new-born care.

LBW birth weight is attributed to inadequate dietary intake on the part of mothers.

Poor maternal care, psychological care and improper food processing, hygiene and health practices also contribute to the health of a child.

Since several factors contribute to prevalence of LBW in any society, hence it appeared unlikely that a single intervention may bring about a change.

A senior paediatrician said that short-term measures should be to ensure proper pre-pregnancy weight, avoiding very young maternal age, improving caloric intake, discouraging tobacco chewing, an improved provision for maternal education, improved gestational weight gain, prevention of malaria.

Doctors said that LBW be tackled as an important public health initiative in improving maternal nutrition and reproductive health in the long run.—APP