21.3% children in Madhes face multidimensional deprivation

By Ajay Shah,Mahottari, Oct. 15: Around 21.3 per cent of children in Madhes province are experiencing multidimensional deprivation. An analysis of access to education, healthcare, nutrition and basic facilities has revealed that children in the province have a relatively poor standard of living.

According to a report by the National Statistics Office, 26.2 per cent of children under the age of five in Madhes province suffer from stunting. Similarly, 60.7 per cent of infants and children aged between six and 23 months do not receive an adequate and diverse diet.

These conditions are likely to affect children’s health, physical and mental development, and their ability to access opportunities in the future. Stakeholders have said that effective policies and programmes are needed to expand access to education, healthcare, nutrition and basic services to improve children’s well-being.