PREVALENCE OF NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCIES AMONG OF THE RURAL SCHOOL GOING CHILDREN OF RAJAHMUNDRY DISTRICT IN ANDHRA PRADESH

The first Millennium Development Goal calls for the eradication of extreme poverty and hunger, and its achievement is crucial for national progress and development. Nearly one third of the under five children (about 195 million) in the developing world are either underweight or stunted(1). In developing countries about 40% of preschool children are estimated to be anaemic(2). Due to micronutrient deficiencies, one million children die before the age of five and 100,000 infants are born with preventable physical defects each year(3). Malnutrition is a process whose consequences are often extended not only in later life, but also into future generations. The present study was undertaken to find out the prevalence of under nutrition in rural schools around Rajahmundry, East Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh. Total 337 students (between 6 to 10 years) were examined for height, weight and for micronutrient deficiency in the form of Iron & Vitamin A deficiency. Undernutrition was found to be 19% (Grade II), 6 % (Grade III) and 1% (Grade IV). Clinical features of iron deficiency were found among 36% school children and Vitamin deficiency was found among 3% of children.