Magical Outcome of Nutritional rehabilitation therapy
Nikhil Raut, 4years old male child, a resident of Gaushala, Mahottari, who is first born male child of his parents. His father is a migrant worker and mother is a housewife, where earning of his father is hardly sufficient to Fulfill basic need of his joint family.
About a month back, Nikhil developed diarrhea and vomiting multiple episodes for which he was taken to local medical shop, where after receiving oral treatment his symptoms were temporarily relieved. However, as symptoms reappeared due to improper medications and management. His health status was worsening day by day along with significant weight loss, which was noticed by his Grandmother, he was brought to Provincial hospital, Madhesh Institute of Health Sciences, Janakpur.
In Provincial hospital, after initial evaluation he was diagnosed with severe acute malnutrition with severe anemia, he was immediately admitted to Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of provincial hospital and was medically managed as per standard W.H.O guidelines for severe Acute Malnutrition. After further evaluation he was found to be suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis as well. So, anti-tubercular therapy was started thereafter after ruling out concomitant HIV infection as per DOTS guidelines of Nepal. As his symptoms were improving gradually, and he was out of danger, he was shifted to Nutritional Rehabilitation Home (NRH) of Janakpur after five days of ICU stay. He stayed in NRH for five weeks and showed significant, satisfactory outcome with adequate gain in his weight.
The moment of discharging Nikhil from NRH with such a satisfactory outcome was overwhelming for his family member as well as for every staff involved in his treatments.
Concluding this story, I would like to emphasize on the fact that, malnutrition is a hidden burden of Terai, especially in Madhesh Province. Parents are still unaware of importance of proper balanced nutrition for their children. Poverty and illiteracy must be some contributing factors among many. Identification and timely medical as well as nutritional intervention can save many lives like Nikhil.
We really need to address this issue of malnutrition hidden in our society, as early detection and timely intervention can give these children healthy beautiful life as these children are ultimate future of our Nation.
