The Bhutanese Leading the way.
Over the past decade, significant strides have been made in addressing the nutrition challenges faced by the people, especially children in Bhutan. As per the recent findings from the National Health Survey (NHS) 2023, despite notable improvements in certain areas, malnutrition remains a pressing concern, particularly among vulnerable groups.
According to the NHS 2023, 5.1 percent of children under five are classified as wasted (too thin for their height), 17.9 percent as stunted (too short for their age), and 8.7 percent as underweight (too light for their age).
These figures emphasize the persistent gaps in nutrition that continue to impact children, especially those from poorer households.
While stunting has decreased from 33.5 percent in 2010 to 17.9 percent in 2023, the numbers remain concerning. Stunting is most prevalent in children aged 24-35 months (20.3 percent) and is more common among boys (18.5 percent) compared to girls (17.2 percent).
The data also reveals stark disparities based on factors, such as maternal education and income level. Stunting rates were highest among children whose mothers had no formal education (23.5 percent) and in the lowest income quintile (21.1 percent).
The findings indicate a clear link between socioeconomic status and the prevalence of malnutrition, which highlights the need for targeted interventions that address the underlying causes of food insecurity and poor health, such as poverty and lack of education.
Another critical issue highlighted in the NHS 2023 is anemia, a condition caused by a deficiency in red blood cells, often due to iron deficiency. Anemia is prevalent among children and pregnant women, leading to significant health risks, including fatigue, weakened immune systems, and impaired cognitive development.
Anemia is particularly concerning because it can exacerbate other health problems, contributing to adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Globally, anemia affects nearly 29 percent of non-pregnant women and 38 percent of pregnant women.
Bhutan has recognized anemia as a major public health issue and has been working to improve micronutrient intake among its population, particularly in the most vulnerable groups, such as young children and pregnant women.
To strengthen its efforts, the Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan (KGUMSB) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and UNICEF has recently inaugurated the Centre of Excellence for Nutrition (CoEN).
Located within the Faculty of Nursing and Public Health, CoEN is a cutting-edge research and training facility dedicated to tackling the triple burden of malnutrition: undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and obesity.
The centre aims to develop evidence-based strategies and will play a pivotal role in shaping national nutrition policies.
Additionally, CoEN will serve as a vital resource for strengthening the skills of healthcare professionals, policymakers, and community leaders, empowering them to more effectively address nutrition-related challenges.
