Jajpur: Death of 5-year-old child rekindles fears of malnutrition

Jajpur: A five-year-old girl has died in Jajpur district, and four other children from the same tribal family have been hospitalized in critical condition. This has renewed concerns about malnutrition and access to healthcare in remote villages.

The incident occurred in Tikarpada Juang Sahi village in the Sukinda block, where all six children of Surajya Juang are reported to be suffering from serious health problems related to malnutrition and an unknown disease. Sources said that 5-year-old Rita Juang died on Thursday morning. The remaining four children were later admitted to the Sukinda Community Health Center after their conditions deteriorated. A fifth child is also reported to be affected and is under medical observation.

Following media reports about the situation, a district-level medical team led by Chief District Medical Officer B. Jay Kumar Mishra visited the village. Health officials examined the family members and determined that the children were suffering from skin-related ailments. Medications and nutritional support were provided during the visit.

Officials said teams from the National Child Health Program and local health officials had previously conducted medical checkups and treatment camps in the area. Health department records show that dozens of children in the village were recently screened and given medication.

Still, the child’s death has raised questions about the effectiveness of early detection and follow-up care in vulnerable tribal settlements. Residents and onlookers have asked whether timely treatment could have prevented the deaths.

The case has revived memories of the child deaths in Nagada, which drew national attention to malnutrition in Sukinda nearly a decade ago.