Description

UNICEF's Sarah Crowe reports on the effects of economic downturn and rising food prices in India's Bihar State.

Transcript

Economic Crisis Hits the Poor in Bihar State, India Sarah Crowe: The Kosi River, the sorrow of Bihar looks tranquil now. Buffalos and boys wallow playfully in the waters. But last year it caused massive havoc, as millions were displaced in the worst flooding in 15 years. Just recovering from that blow, the economic crisis is hitting the poorest in this poorest of states. Like many, Poddar lost his home last year. Now he’s lost his job. Chandra Poddar: I returned from the city because the company where I was working closed. I do not have a place to live, where will I make my children sleep? I do not have a place to cook or eat, on top of this I have lost my job in the city. Sarah Crowe: No land, no livestock and now high food prices mean some families are feeding their children less and less. Pawa Devi: My children rarely eat anything other than salt and bread, either we can give them food to eat or clothes to wear, my children are malnourished and their stomach is coming out, doctors charge us 300 rupees for a visit. God knows how we will survive. Sarah Crowe: During the floods 8% of children were found to be severely malnourished. In response, UNICEF supported community centers but even at the best of times, as many as 58% of children under five in Bihar are underweight. Arbi Khan: In the case of malnutrition, if a child is not treated on time, he child can surely die. We have saved the lives of many children here in Saharsa who are really malnourished. Sarah Crowe: It’s feared now that with locals so reliant on jobs from outside the economic crisis will push more and more over the edge. New ways now need to be found, for this fragile state to flourish. For UNICEF Television, this is Sarah Crowe in Northern Bihar, India. Unite for Children.