One third of new borns in Eight EAG States of India are less than 2.5 Kgs – As seen through Annual Health Survey

Bihar

Thirty-two percent of the births in Bihar weight were taken. Based on these measurements, about one-fourth (22%) percent births were observed as low birth weight (less than 2.5 Kg). The proportion LBW was similar in rural and urban areas.  Even observing this high percentage of low birth weights in newly born children, the health administration in Bihar is not into active action there.

Jharkhand

For about 40 percent of the births in Jharkhand, birth weight was taken. Based on these measurements, 36 percent births were observed as low birth weight (less than 2.5 Kg). The proportion LBW was higher in rural as compared to urban areas.  Even observing this high percentage of low birth weights in newly born children, the health administration in Jharkhand is not into active action there.

 

Madhya Pradesh

    

For about 71% of the births in Madhya Pradesh, weight was taken. Based on this about 29 percent births were observed as low birth weight (less than 2.5 Kg). The proportion LBW was higher in rural as compared to urban. Even observing this high percentage of low birth weights in newly born children, the health administration in Madhya Pradesh is not into active action there.

Chhattisgarh

For more than 64 percent of the births in Chhattisgarh, weight was taken. Based on this 48 percent births were observed as low birth weight (less than 2.5 Kg). The proportion LBW was higher in rural as compared to urban.  Even observing this very high percentage of low birth weights in newly born children, the health administration in Chhattisgarh is not into active action there.

Odisha

For more than three-fourth of the births in Odisha, weight was taken. Based on this 22 percent births were observed as low birth weight (less than 2.5 Kg). The proportion LBW was higher in rural as compared to urban areas.

Rajasthan

 

For more than half of the births in Rajasthan, weight was taken. Based on this 39 percent births were observed as low birth weight (less than 2.5 Kg). The proportion LBW was higher in rural as compared to urban.

Uttar Pradesh

 

For more than quarter of the births in Uttar Pradesh, weight was taken. Based on this 28 percent births were observed as low birth weight (less than 2.5 Kg). The proportion LBW was higher in rural as compared to urban.  Even observing this high percentage of low birth weights in newly born children, the health administration in UP is not into active action there.

Uttarakhand

For less than half (41%) of the births in Uttarakhand, weight was taken. Based on this 24 percent births were observed as low birth weight (less than 2.5 Kg). The proportion LBW was higher in rural as compared to urban.  Compliance of this health requirement of new born is much better as compared to its parent state, Uttar Pradesh.

The above has been summarized as below:

State	Percent Birth weights undertaken	Under weights (%)
Bihar	32	22
Jharkhand	40	36
Madhya Pradesh	71	29
Chhattisgarh	64	48
Odisha	77	22
Rajasthan	54	39
Uttar Pradesh	26	28
Uttarakhand	41	24
All EAG States (Average %)	51	31

It may be seen that in these EAG states half of the children are being weighed at birth and about one-third are seen to be of less than 2.5 Kilogram birth weight.