Child workers working in factories and industries in Nepal have been found suffering from various health problems.

A recent study carried out on 10 factories in Kathmandu Valley by Nepal Health Research Council reveals Monday that the children in these factories have been found working with a minimum wage which they mostly spend on alcohol. This has caused many health problems among these children.

Out of total 545 workers in these factories, 135 were found to be child workers and 97 percent of them were illiterate, according to the study.

A majority of these children are found to be suffering from their work-related health problems.

About 53 percent of the children are suffering from hearing problem and those working in stone queries and brick kilns are found to have been suffering from worms and anemia, according to the study.

Most of the children working at the construction sites have been found suffering from hearing problem, says the study which called on the concerned sectors to pay attention to work-related health conditions that are affecting health of the child workers.

The study also pointed out the need for formulating a policy to check deteriorating environment as well as occupational risks in small and cottage industries which is posing health threat to children under 16 years of age working in such factories.

Source: Xinhua