Kolkata, June 21 (IANS) About half of the children in the Sunderbans area of West Bengal below the age of five are chronically malnourished, making them vulnerable to respiratory and gastro-intestinal ailments, a study has revealed.

 
 The study was conducted by the Indian Institute of Health Management Research (IIHMR).
 
 A series of research studies carried out during the early part of 2009 by IIHMR, inspired by the government as well as local non-government stakeholders, portrayed a disturbing picture of health, particularly of the children.
 
 “About half of the children below five years are chronically malnourished leading to their vulnerability to respiratory and gastro-intestinal ailments," said a press statement issued by IIHMR.
 
 "Children were found to be three times more vulnerable to respiratory ailments than the state average,” it said.