A REGIONAL PERSPECTIVE ON CHILD MALNUTRITION AND INFANT MORTALITY IN KARNATAKA

Child malnutrition and infant mortality remain critical public health challenges in Karnataka, with significant disparities across its regions. This study examines the magnitude, patterns, and regional variations of child malnutrition and infant mortality, with a focus on identifying high-burden areas. Using data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) and HMIS dataset from 2008-09 to 2020-21. The study highlights persistent undernutrition, stunting, and wasting among children under five, particularly in economically and socially disadvantaged districts such as those in the Kalyana Karnataka region and the rest of the divisions. Infant mortality rates (IMR) also show uneven distribution, with divisions due to inadequate maternal health care, poor nutritional status, and limited access to health infrastructure. The findings addressing regional disparities is essential to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) related to health, nutrition, and child survival in Karnataka. Keywords: Stunted, Wasted, Underweight, Malnutrition, Spatial distribution of IMR.