People of Bantoli (Part 2)

Young father with child

What about malnutrition?

It is not uncommon for field laborers to go for several days without food, chewing a root plant called Genthi, which kills the appetite. In the tribal areas, 72% of the women suffer from chronic malnutrition. 24% are under 145 cm in height (4' 9") and 96% weigh under 45 kilos (99 lb.). According to medical standards, such frailty greatly increases maternal mortality. 20% of these women have lost at least one child. The malnutrition of the mothers is carried over to their children, and there is a high morbidity rate due to unhygienic practices and surroundings. Around 68% of lactating women suffer from anemia. 75% of births do not have professional attendants. The mortality rate at birth is reported to be 2 per 1000, as opposed to 1.1 for the rest of India.

Washing dishes in the pond. Most people's homes do not have running water.	Old man in need of medical care