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By Mihar Dias (C) Copyright March 2024
The revelation that 84 per cent of Sarawakian children are undernourished, as highlighted in Alliance Bank's social funding campaign, is indeed alarming.
This campaign sheds light on a pressing issue that requires immediate attention and action from the government.
Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah's reaction to these statistics reflects a sentiment shared by many.
The discrepancy between the bank's statistics and the figures provided by the National Institutes of Health raises questions about the accuracy and reliability of the data.
However, regardless of the exact numbers, it is evident that a significant number of children in Sarawak are facing nutritional challenges that could have long-term effects on their health and well-being.
Fatimah highlighted the initiatives undertaken by the state government to address this issue, such as the Special Annual Grant (GTK) for early childhood learning institutions and the 'Supplementary Food Programme' (RMT) for school-children. These efforts are commendable, but it is clear that more needs to be done to ensure that all children in Sarawak have access to nutritious food and a supportive learning environment.
It is crucial for the government to work closely with relevant stakeholders, including local communities, NGOs, and international organizations, to develop comprehensive and sustainable solutions to combat child undernutrition in Sarawak.
This includes improving access to nutritious food, enhancing education and awareness about proper nutrition, and addressing the root causes of poverty and food insecurity in the region.
The Alliance Bank's campaign serves as a wake-up call for all of us to prioritize the well-being of our children and invest in their future.
It is only through collective efforts and a commitment to change that we can ensure that every child in Sarawak has the opportunity to grow up healthy, happy, and well nourished.
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