RANGPUR, Oct 22 (BSS) : Consumption of micronutrient-rich small fishes effectively meet nutritional demand of pregnant women, lactating mothers, babies and malnourished children to save them from many severe diseases.
According to the experts, malnutrition of the pregnant women, lactating mothers and children has been still remaining as a major cause responsible for permanent blindness, maternal, neonatal and infant deaths in rural Bangladesh.
Meanwhile, production and intake of micronutrient-rich small fishes like "Mola", "Darkina", and "Dhela" have been increasing significantly preventing malnutrition of the women and children to a large extent in rural areas in recent years.
Rangpur Hub Manager Dr Nahiduzzaman for WorldFish of the USAID funded Cereal Systems Initiative for South Asia in Bangladesh (CSISA- BD) Project here said a brighter prospect has been prevailing to further increase production of small fishes.
"Despite declining of water bodies over the years for various reasons like climate change, there are enormous prospects for cultivation of micronutrient-rich small fishes in the smaller, ponds, canals, wetlands and crop fields in rural Bangladesh," he said.
He emphasised for optimum in-taking of micronutrient-rich small fishes by the pregnant women, lactating mothers and children to overcome malnutrition increasing production of small fishes to also achieve self-reliance by the rural poor.
Former Rangpur Divisional Director (Health) Dr Shahadat Hossain said nutritional deficiency of the pregnant women and lactating mothers as well as children must be overcome through ensuring intake of micronutrient-rich small fishes and vegetables.
He said normal growth of brain, different organs and flourishing talent of the children generally face setback following malnutrition of the pregnant women, lactating mothers and children leading to severe diseases or even deaths in the long run.
Noted physician Dr Mofizul Islam said nutritional deficiency of the pregnant women and lactating mothers, babies and children among the poorer section people in rural areas is still a problem in building a healthier nation.
According to Gynecology Specialist and Surgeon of Rangpur Medical College and Hospital (RMCH) Dr Yeasmina, meeting nutritional demand of the pregnant women, lactating mothers and children is a perquisite for building a healthier nation.
