How infant deaths in Keralam’s Attappady expose a deep-rooted health, social crisis
12 infants, including 10 tribals, have died in Attappady this year, sparking a political row as the State government orders an expert probe. Tribal activists say the crisis demands action beyond healthcare, addressing malnutrition, anaemia and deep-rooted social issues
In recent months, 12 infant deaths, 10 of which were from tribal communities, have shone a light on the ongoing child health crisis in Kerala's Attappady area. Over a decade, the State government has initiated an expert assessment, yet tribal organizations argue that the crisis extends beyond healthcare, necessitating persistent efforts in nutrition, maternal health, landlessness and broader socio-economic circumstances.
Tribal activists cite 124 infant deaths in the region since 2011, while figures since 2012 reveal 300 abortions, 90 intrauterine deaths and two dozen stillbirths. The area gained more attention in 2013, when 47 tribal infants perished. Tribal observers speculate that approximately 10 children have died yearly over the years.
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