Odisha Women and Child Development Minister Pravati Parida informed the State Assembly that 9,877 children aged between 6 months and 5 years are currently suffering from Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) across the state.
The data was shared in response to a question raised by Jeypore MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati.
Among the districts, Mayurbhanj recorded the highest number of SAM cases, with 1,075 children affected. The Minister outlined several ongoing nutrition initiatives aimed at combating malnutrition, including the Supplementary Nutrition Scheme, which provides meals to children registered at Anganwadi centers for 300 days annually.
Children aged 6 months to 3 years receive Chhatua, eggs, laddus, and dry rations. For those who do not consume eggs, additional laddus are provided. Under the Sampoorna Poshan Yojana, children without health complications receive therapeutic Chhatua and one egg daily for 16 weeks, while those with complications are admitted to Nutrition Rehabilitation Centers (NRCs).
The government also supports Severely Underweight (SUW) and Moderately Acute Malnourished (MAM) children with a special diet of gram flour, banana, and eggs for 75 days. To reach remote areas, children aged 3 to 6 years who cannot attend Anganwadi centers are provided warm cooked meals and water under the POSHAN program.
Despite these efforts, the high number of SAM cases underscores the need for intensified outreach, monitoring, and community engagement to ensure nutritional security for Odisha’s youngest citizens.
