Nutrition problem: Child deaths
p. 51 · Read in the full issue
Prom a Rarotonga correspondent Rarotonga and Aitutaki islands arc experiencing a major epidemic of gastro enteritis, which has already canted the deaths of nine children.
The outbreak is the result of malnutrition among the children complicated by a recent epidemic of measles, said the resident doctor in Aitutaki, Dr, Terepai Maorte. Extra medical staff and drugs have been sent to Aitutaki to assist him.
In Rarotonga, public funds have been raised for the purchase o f nrlk powder for undernourished children and the Child Welfare Associa ion is organising meetings in clinics to instruct parents on facts about nutrition.
Meanwhile the Health Department
has updated its estimate, made in February, that 60 per cent, of c*uld en of p-e-school age in Raro nre undernourished, ( PIM . n. 102). Its survey has found that over 80 per cent, are under •m-’-:shed. and that a greater pro n'Wm than had earlier been r e suffering eross under nourishment. Children suffering from mal-uTntion come from fanrTes as well as po~r ones, which indicates that ignorance and wasteful spending are factors.