Thiruvananthapuram: Besides a government failure in disseminating the benefits of numerous social welfare schemes among tribal families at Attappadi, the prevalence of alcoholism among pregnant women has triggered a series of health concerns in the region. A study conducted by the health department has found that many children born here are underweight while premature births are also common. “Low birth weight of newborns is a major cause of concern here. It is evident that a weak or anaemic pregnant mother delivers pre-matured babies,’’ said a senior health official who visited Attappadi. Health officials confirmed 12 child deaths in the region in the past three months. Sources said a preliminary investigation of families of the dead children revealed that their mothers had been regularly consuming alcohol during pregnancy. The department has decided to draft an action plan in association with the social welfare and tribal departments to address the issue. A series of counseling sessions and awareness campaigns will be organized for women in the region. A change in lifestyle by educating the women is what the department is aiming at. “However, access continues to be a cause of worry. There are some tribal hamlets in the remotest areas which are very difficult to reach,” health services director Dr P K Jameela said. National rural health mission director M Beena who visited Attappadi following reports of child deaths submitted her report to the department on Thursday. It cites serious lapses in implementing the governmentsponsored malnutrition programmes in this region. It says malnutrition has resulted in deaths of children and puts the number of such deaths in the past three months at 12. “A survey is being carried out in the region, covering the entire 10,700 families, and this is expected to be completed by Friday. This survey is expected to bring out the exact picture of health concerns here,’’ it says. The report cites poor socio-economic status of people as a major reason for the women getting addicted to alcoholism. It has suggested that the state nutrition experts should visit Attappadi immediately to plan a course of action. Meanwhile, the NRHM has decided to launch supplementary nutrition programmes for women and children in the region. UNPLEASANT FACTS Many children born here are underweight; premature births common Mothers of the dead children had been regularly consuming alcohol during pregnancy Some tribal hamlets in the remotest areas difficult to reach for awareness campaigns Serious lapses in implementing governmentsponsored malnutrition programmes in Attappadi region Poor socioeconomic status major reason for women taking to alcohol consumption