Action Against Hunger Foundation has launched Project Ankur in Andheri, marking a renewed commitment to improving maternal and child health outcomes in urban communities. The project focuses on the community-based management of acute malnutrition (CMAM) in children under five years of age through a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach that also addresses maternal health, adolescent nutrition, and system strengthening.
Early Detection and Management of Malnutrition
At the core of Project Ankur is a strong emphasis on early identification and management of malnutrition. The strategy aims to strengthen community-based screening processes for timely detection of undernourished children.
Children identified with Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) are referred to Nutrition Rehabilitation Centers (NRCs) for further diagnosis and initiation of therapeutic food. Those diagnosed with Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM) receive continuous support through home-based counselling focused on dietary improvement and health monitoring.
Regular home visits are conducted as per organizational protocols to assess each child’s progress and to provide counselling on Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) practices, Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), and child-care. Every child remains in the program until full recovery or until exit criteria are met, ensuring long-term, sustainable health outcomes.
Focus on the First 1000 Days of Life
The first 1000 days — from pregnancy to a child’s second birthday — represent a critical window for a child’s growth and development. Project Ankur adopts a comprehensive and multisectoral approach to support pregnant women and mothers with children under two years.
Women are registered in the program and receive individual counselling, follow-up visits, and need-based referrals to health facilities. The project promotes:
- Increased antenatal check-ups and adherence to Iron and Folic Acid (IFA) and calcium supplementation.
- Early identification and referral of high-risk pregnancies.
- Institutional deliveries and promotion of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) at both facility and community levels.
- Strengthening Infant and Young Child Nutrition (IYCN) practices.
By ensuring the right nutrition and care during this period, the project seeks to lay a strong foundation for a child’s physical, cognitive, and emotional development.
Targeted Interventions to Reduce Anemia Among Adolescents
Recognizing the role of adolescent health in breaking the intergenerational cycle of malnutrition, Project Ankur also targets adolescent girls and boys in schools and communities. The initiative focuses on anemia screening, nutrition education, and IFA supplementation to promote better health outcomes.
Through partnerships with government departments, the project supports the regular organization of T3 (Test, Treat, Talk) camps and strengthens the supply chain of IFA tablets, ensuring that adolescents have access to essential micronutrients and preventive care.
System Strengthening for Improved Health and Nutrition Delivery
A key component of Project Ankur is system strengthening and capacity building. The project collaborates with ICDS and Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) to enhance the delivery of nutrition and health services.
Frontline workers (FLWs) receive training and handholding support to build technical knowledge, improve community engagement, and strengthen service quality. Joint review meetings, community-based events, and celebration of key health and nutrition days foster stronger convergence and reinforce collective accountability for improved outcomes.
Contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals
Through Project Ankur, Action Against Hunger aims to contribute meaningfully to SDG 2 – Zero Hunger and SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being by addressing malnutrition at its roots — from adolescence to early childhood.
By empowering communities, strengthening systems, and promoting preventive healthcare, Project Ankur stands as a step forward in ensuring that every child not only survives but thrives.
