Summary:
Poor children in China's western provinces are frequently facing malnutrition. Their meals are provided free of charge by the government, but they mainly consist of soybeans and rice. A recent survey of children in three autonomous regions and one province, revealed that 12% of children 10 to 13 are stunted and 9% are underweight. A particular survey of a western boarding school found that 72% reported feeling hunger during lectures and a further 33% said they felt hungry nearly everyday. The nutrition is so bad that several of the children pass out during morning exercises. Of particular concern is the fact that the children are not getting nearly enough microelements. Iron, which is vital for memory development, was found to be extremely low in the children. The Chinese government has been significantly increasing funds to try and provide for the students, but the money is managed by the school leadership, rather than being directly handle by the government. So far little progress has been made.
Significance:
The child malnutrition present in the western provinces highlights the clear rift existing between the wealthly coast and economically backward interior. China's failure so far to handle the problem shows that the government either is uneffective or more probably aloof about the problem. The governments unwillingness to actively intervene seems to suggest that the rich coast is more important to Beijing. Even if this is not the case, people in the interior might see it that and that could lead to malcontent with the government. Regardless, the problem represents a significant issue among China's interior populace.
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