Many babies born underweight

Many babies born underweight

AMBON, Maluku: As many as 14 percent of all babies born in the
province weigh less than 2.5 kg, well below the ideal of three
kilograms, according to the chef of the Maluku health office.

Dr. I. Umarella said underweight babies have implications,
such as slow growth rates and intellectual development, the
Antara news agency reported.

When it comes to underweight newborns, Maluku has one of the
highest rates compared to the other 26 provinces in Indonesia,
Umarella said.

This condition is largely because their mothers are
undernourished during pregnancy. (emb)