Malnutrition amongst women is one of the prime causes for babies having low birth-weight and poor growth. Low birth-weight contributes significantly to high infant mortality rates, and surviving babies are likely to suffer from growth retardation and constant ill-health throughout their lives. The National Nutrition Week aims to spread awareness on the criticality of nutrition for one and all.
National Nutrition Initiatives in Madhya Pradesh
National Nutrition Week is observed on 1-7 September across the country. According to latest NFHS (National Family Health Survey) statistics, Madhya Pradesh is among the top three states with maximum percentage of undernourished children. The seriousness of taking up grassroots initiatives on nutrition is even more critical as the findings of the Global Nutrition Report (2017), which shows that India has the largest number of anaemic women in the world. To raise awareness on the importance of nutrition for better health, Essar Foundation organised an event to mark the National Nutrition Week in Nagwa Panchayat, Singrauli. Exhibits of locally available fruits, vegetables and prepared food were put on display to show food diversity, and the choices available for nutritious food at home.
A street play was performed in the local language to bring out the importance of better nutrition. A general health camp was organised, and jaggery and peanuts were distributed to all participants. Individual counselling was done on healthy eating practices, which was followed by handing out vegetable seeds to participants for their kitchen gardens. The campaign was supported by Women And Child Department, Agriculture and Horticulture Department and Piramal Foundation. Over 150 pregnant and lactating women, and 50 adolescent girls participated. This was the first in a series of nutrition awareness events planned for the month.
In continuation of the National Nutrition Month Campaign, a special camp was organised in Rajmilan Panchayat of Singrauli (Madhya Pradesh) in which 110 expecting and lactating mothers participated. The camp also facilitated a health check-up, blood (HB) test, and counselling on healthy eating habits by doctors. Locally available vegetables were exhibited and their nutritional values were explained. Jaggery and locally grown chickpea was distributed to all participants as these are highly nutritious and easily available.
National Nutrition Week in Odisha
Essar Foundation celebrated National Nutrition Week in three villages – Katupali, Purunadihi and Kalimati – with the event being facilitated by the Auxiliary Nurse Midwifes (ANMs) and ASHA Health workers. Awareness camps were conducted to sensitise the pregnant and lactating mothers in these villages. In the camps, their respective ANMs and ASHA health workers discussed various things critical for the good health of the mother and child like the nutritious food intake one must have for pre and post natal care, safe hygienic practices during pregnancy, benefits of institutional delivery, importance of having iron & folic acid tablets, significance of colostrum (first) milk, balanced diet for children till they are six months old, and the benefits of immunisation. Anganwadi Workers demonstrated how locally available food can be nutritious for the infant, expecting and lactating mothers. The event also had quiz competitions for the women, and prizes were distributed to the winners. Over 125 women participated in the three awareness camps organised during the week.
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