Improved levels of education have increased health awareness and the utilization of health services. A landmark initiative of the government has been the introduction of non-formal education. Lack of trained human resource in all sectors is one of the biggest hurdles, and a large quantum of financial resources are used for training and building human resource capacity within the country. The topography of the country poses problems in coordination of social services to rural communities. Supplements of vitamin A are given to children at basic health units and iron supplements to anaemic women at MCH clinics.
Iodized salt is available throughout the country.
Nutrition information is disseminated through all basic health units. Seasonal food shortages have been known to compound the nutritional problems. Although no proper assessment has been made, tobacco consumption, especially smoking, which was alarmingly high in the 1960s, appears to have declined following dissemination of information on the hazards of tobacco. Mental illness including psychological conditions appear to be significant. Alcohol consumption still poses a problem.