There was a malnutrition assessment camp organized by the Rotaract Club on August 13, 2021, at Mahalaxmi, Mumbai, in cooperation with the Bal Asha charity.
Being part of the camp gave me valuable insights and a lifetime experience that I want to share through this article.
About Bal Asha Trust
A number of kids are connected to Bal Asha Trust, which offers them high-quality medical treatment and nourishment that shields kids against a number of common childhood deficits.
Pediatric Malnutrition Assessment Camp
The initial stages of the process involved identifying the children registered with Bal Asha Trust and notifying them about the camp. The timing of the camp, starting in the afternoon, made it convenient for the parents to accompany their children. Most of the children's mothers were present during the registration process, during which their names, ages, genders, mid-upper arm circumferences, heights, weights, and other essential details were recorded.
There were three distinct medical specialties present, including MBBS, dentistry, and physiotherapy. The children were instructed to form a queue and visit each department sequentially.
Each department was provided with a proforma that had to be strictly adhered to, and all necessary checks were carried out accordingly. It is crucial to assess a child's mental health status by evaluating their orientation towards time, location, and people before conducting any tests. As a member of the MBBS department, our first task was to conduct an eye examination. Given the susceptibility of children in this age group to Vitamin A deficiency, it was crucial to look for any abnormal spots on the conjunctiva or scarring on the sclera. Secondly, we used the Snellen chart to assess their visual acuity and the Ishihara charts to evaluate color vision. This step is especially important for school-age children who may have difficulty focusing on the chalkboard. Additionally, we examined the upper bulbar conjunctiva for icterus (jaundice) and the lower palpebral conjunctiva for any signs of pallor.
The tongue, lips, and nailbeds are additional areas where pallor is checked. Symptoms of vitamin deficiency, such as stomatitis and cheilosis in vitamin B2 insufficiency, are watched for around the mouth. An extensive examination of the skin is done to look for scars, boils, hyperpigmentation, and hypopigmentation. Any discoloration is noticed along with the evaluation of the hair's quality. One looks at their gait. Symptoms of malnutrition include significant muscular atrophy, pot bellies, lethargy, and poor eating. The parent or guardian was questioned about the child's eating, playing, and sleeping patterns as well as any behavioral issues such as thumb sucking, bedwetting, trichophagia, etc.
Finally, each parent received advice on how to help their child with their diet, exercise, and any complaints they may have had. The Trust also sent a package of goods, which contained a variety of healthy foods including dal, rice, wheat flour, fruits, biscuits, and many other items. Another volunteer from their group educated the kids on the value of washing their hands by demonstrating how to do so.
Volunteering at these camps brings me great joy as I see it as an opportunity to contribute to society, utilizing my skills as a member of the medical fraternity. Interacting with the kids is always a delight. Giving back and helping those in need is incredibly fulfilling, and I'm grateful for the chance to make a positive impact in my community through my volunteer work. It was a worthwhile experience.
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HN