India, Aug. 24 -- Nearly two dozen children from the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group Baiga community have reportedly died in Balaghat district's Birsa block amid an outbreak of illnesses including measles, malaria and malnutrition, triggering concern over healthcare conditions in the remote tribal belt.

Local tribal representatives have claimed that 24 children have died in affected villages, while the district administration has officially linked eight deaths to seasonal illnesses since June. Officials have said malaria and measles were among the major causes, while some other deaths were attributed to genetic or unrelated medical conditions.

Protesting against the deaths, members of Sarv Adivasi Samaj took out a rally on Sunday e...