More than 1,400 children below two years of age are malnourished in Salyan, according to a recent study of the District Health Office (DHO). The study also found that 180 children were severely malnourished.

 Tar Rijal, programme coordinator at the DHO, said 37 severely malnourished children were sent to Ghorahi and Surkhet for rehabilitation. 

The number of malnourished children was high in Bangad Kupinde Municipality. Rijal said many parents were ignorant about the importance of nutrition to raise healthy children. The DHO has been conducting Food Security Programme in Majhkada, Kaprechaur, Jhimpe, Tribeni, Siddeshowri, Bajhkada, Ghajaripipal Siwarath and Dhakadam areas to control malnutrition.

The WHO says lack of access to highly nutritious food, especially in the present context of rising food prices, is a common cause of malnutrition. 

Poor feeding practices such as inadequate breastfeeding, offering wrong foods and not ensuring that the child gets enough nutritious food contribute to malnutrition.