Mon Mar 10 16:15:27 UTC 2025: ## Telangana Faces ‘Low Birth Weight Epidemic,’ UNICEF Warns

**Hyderabad, March 10, 2025** – Telangana is grappling with a serious “low birth weight epidemic,” according to UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office for Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka, Zelalem Taffesse. Speaking at the fifth annual day celebration of AIIMS Bibinagar on Monday, Taffesse highlighted alarming rates of childhood malnutrition and stunting, affecting one in three children under five. He emphasized that many children are starting life at a significant disadvantage, increasing their risk of severe malnutrition and health complications.

Taffesse stressed the stark inequalities within the state, noting the disparity between the developed urban areas like Hyderabad and the underserved rural and marginalized communities lacking access to essential healthcare, nutrition, and sanitation. Even within Hyderabad, tribal and slum-dwelling communities face significant challenges.

The UNICEF official also warned that setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have reversed progress made towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, particularly in healthcare and education. He expressed concern that the gains made in poverty reduction and improved child health have been lost for many.

Meanwhile, AIIMS Bibinagar celebrated its fifth anniversary, reporting it has treated over 11 lakh patients and that nearly 80% of its construction is complete. The institute’s Executive Director, Vikas Bhatia, presented a progress report, and the fifth edition of the institute’s magazine, *Invictus*, was released.

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