Women and Children die unnecessarily: NCWC

Many Bhutanese women and children are dying still dying unnecessarily, according to a report by the National Commission for Women and Children (NCWC). For infants, while pneumonia is the major killer, thousands are still dying from diarrhea. A high proportion of these deaths are in the first weeks of life. Many children are stunted or underweight or lack vital micronutrients.

�Many women are also dying as a result of child birth. For every 100,000 live births, there are 255 maternal deaths all of which are preventable. The best solution would be for all mothers to give birth in basic health units or hospitals. But at present around 80% of deliveries happen at home,� the report states.

The report points out HIV/aids as another health hazard. It says while HIV prevalence is low, there is a number of major risk factors like high rates of casual sex, porous border, increasing international travel, rising drug abuse, and very low condom use.

In education, it says one third of children receive no schooling at all and more than half the population cannot read or write.

Bhutan is close to reaching the millennium development goal of eliminating gender disparities in education. The primary net enrollment ratio is 80% for boys and 79% for girls. But the proportion of females after class ten decreases significantly.

The report also highlights new risks for children, child labor, drug abuse and crime, and violence against children.
The report was prepared with support from the UNICEF

Source: Bhutan Broadcasting Services More

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