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)