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Seeds of Hope: How a Nutri-Garden Changed Sakshi’s Life

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Mangesh Ramesh Medha and his family live in Tadachi Machi, a small tribal village in Jawhar taluka, Palghar district, with a population of 203. Their primary occupations are agriculture and labor. Mangesh’s daughter, Sakshi (name changed), was born weighing 2.5 kg. Due to the family’s financial struggles, Sakshi’s parents had to migrate for work, leading to inadequate breastfeeding and poor care, resulting in Sakshi’s malnutrition.

When the Navajivan project by Action Against Hunger Foundation began in Jawhar taluka, an initial screening between 6-59 months in Tadachi Machi, revealed Sakshi weighed 9.2 kg and was classified as moderately malnourished (MAM), with a height of 84 cm.

Anganwadi Tai and community organizer Jagdish Patil visited Sakshi’s family, where they explained the causes and consequences of malnutrition. They also educated Sakshi’s parents on proper home food, hygiene, and the importance of Take Home Ration (THR). Sakshi’s eating habits were monitored, and her parents were advised to replace processed snacks with fresh home-cooked meals.

Monthly visits included counseling, cooking demos, and handwashing education. A health check-up camp for MAM/SAM children was organized, where Sakshi received a pediatric consultation and treatment. Sakshi’s mother was trained in using MUAC tape, and she was encouraged to send Sakshi to the Anganwadi daily.

Due to financial constraints, Sakshi’s family could not afford fresh vegetables, but Action Against Hunger provided gardening training. They planted seeds, and the family began using homegrown vegetables in their diet, improving Sakshi’s nutrition.

As a result of these interventions, Sakshi’s weight increased to 10 kg, and her height was 86 cm. She moved out of the MAM category into the normal range. Sakshi’s parents were overjoyed, and they expressed their gratitude to the Action Against Hunger Foundation.

Breaking the Cycle of Undernutrition: Mehrun’s Recovery Journey

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When Mehrun Sheikh (name changed) was enrolled in Action Against Hunger’s program, she weighed just 5.2 kg—classified as a child with Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM). Her family struggled to provide a balanced diet, unaware of the importance of diverse food groups and proper hygiene practices.

Through continuous counseling sessions by the team, her mother learned about nutritious food choices, the significance of WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) practices. She also received guidance on reducing fast food consumption, ensuring Mehrun’s diet supported her recovery.

With dedicated intervention and her family’s commitment, Mehrun gradually regained her health and now weighs 6.5 kg. Today, she is healthier, more active, and on the path to a nourished future—one meal at a time.

 

Skin-to-skin miracles: The Power of KMC and Family Support

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The Makwana family, originally from Saurashtra, now resides in a rented house in Moraiya village, Sanand Block, Gujarat. Their experience of welcoming preterm twins in the seventh month of pregnancy was fraught with fear, particularly due to the loss of their first baby before birth. Upon the birth of the twins, concerns were amplified as both babies were born with low birth weights, with Raj (name changed) weighing 1.6 kg and Rahul (name changed) 1.4 kg. The twins were placed under doctors’ observation for 14 days following their birth.

Initial Registration and Early Support:

Community Mobilizer (CM) Nita Makwana registered the family in the maternal health program during the mother’s pregnancy. Nita made regular visits to provide essential counselling. Upon hearing about the twins’ birth, Nita immediately visited the family to offer support. She introduced Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) and cross-cradle feeding techniques to the family, guiding them through the process for both twins’ recovery.

KMC Intervention and Weight Tracking:

Nita provided the family with KMC bags and educated them on how to implement KMC, a technique involving skin-to-skin contact that is particularly beneficial for preterm and low-birth-weight babies. The family, including the grandparents, worked together to ensure that the twins were receiving regular KMC sessions. However, the family’s challenge was balancing KMC with their financial responsibilities, as both grandparents and the father were employed as daily labourers in the GIDC (Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation).

Challenges and Guidance

As time passed, Raj’s weight steadily increased, but Rahul’s weight showed only slight improvements, raising concerns. Recognizing the need for consistent care, Akshay Kamble, Assistant Manager for Training and Capacity Building at Action Against Hunger, provided telephonic counselling to the family, stressing the importance of regular KMC. This intervention led to further home visits from Nita and the Advocacy Officer, who provided on-site guidance.

Impact :

Over the course of four months, CM Nita Makwana ensured that the family received continuous guidance, monitoring the twins’ progress and maintaining KMC sessions. Despite the family’s demanding schedule, their commitment to the twins’ care led to a significant improvement in both babies’ health. The weight of the baby during KMC bag usage was recorded as 1.8 kg and 1.7 kg, respectively, and increased to 4.9 kg and 3.3 kg when the KMC bag was taken back.

Action Against Hunger India Expands its Reach to Chhattisgarh: A Focus on Gariaband District

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Action Against Hunger India, has expanded its operations in India by extending its reach to Chhattisgarh, with a focused intervention in the Gariaband district. This expansion marks an important milestone in the organization’s ongoing mission to create a healthier nation. The strategic interventions in Chhattisgarh aim to address critical issues related to undernutrition, capacity building, and improving the effectiveness of essential services for children and mothers.

Key Interventions :

  1. Refurbishing Anganwadi Centers (AWCs)

One of the core components of Action Against Hunger India’s (ACF India) intervention is refurbishing Anganwadi Centers (AWCs), which are the backbone of India’s child care and nutrition services. These centers provide essential services, including immunization, pre-school education, and supplementary nutrition for children under six years of age.

By improving the infrastructure and equipment in these centers, we aim to create a more conducive environment for early childhood development and effective service delivery. Refurbishment efforts focus on ensuring that AWCs are well-equipped, hygienic, and capable of providing nutritious food and health services. This initiative directly impacts the well-being of children, ensuring they have access to the necessary resources for proper growth and development.

  1. Screening Children Under 5 for Undernutrition

In Gariaband, ACF India has initiated regular screenings to detect undernutrition in children under five years of age. Early detection of malnutrition allows for timely intervention and ensures that children receive the necessary nutritional support to thrive.

  1. Capacity Building of Frontline Workers (FLWs)

A crucial aspect of the intervention is the capacity building of Frontline Workers (FLWs), including Anganwadi Workers (AWWs), other community health workers. By training FLWs in the latest nutrition and health practices, we will ensure that local communities receive accurate and effective support to combat undernutrition and related health issues.

As Action Against Hunger India broadens its reach, its approach serves as a model for how targeted, community-driven interventions can make a significant difference in building healthier communities. The continued success of these initiatives will help pave the way for a more resilient and nourished future for the people of Chhattisgarh.

Mass-level Campaign to assess Hameoglobin levels in Mumbai

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Health Awareness in Mumbai

At Action Against Hunger, we are committed to addressing the pressing health challenges facing vulnerable communities. One of the critical issues we are focusing on is anemia, particularly among pregnant women, lactating mothers, and adolescent girls. To tackle this, we recently launched a mass-level campaign aimed at testing hemoglobin levels, raising awareness about anemia, and ensuring that those in need receive the necessary treatment and supplementation.

The Campaign: A Joint Effort for a Healthier Future

In collaboration with 23 Anganwadi centers, the Community Medicine Department at HBTMC, and Dr. R.N. Cooper Hospital, we conducted a screening campaign in the intervention area of Gaondevi, Mumbai. The campaign successfully reached 768 beneficiaries, including pregnant women, lactating mothers, and adolescent girls.

Our dedicated team of Anganwadi workers and community mobilizers from Action Against Hunger played a pivotal role in mobilizing beneficiaries for the screening. These workers also facilitated the distribution of vital information about anemia, its causes, and the importance of regular iron and folic acid supplementation. Through this campaign, we were able to emphasize the significance of completing anemia treatments, which are essential for improving overall health.

Raising Awareness and Providing Solutions

As part of the campaign, we conducted blood tests to assess hemoglobin levels among the targeted group. Severe and moderate anemia cases were identified, and these individuals were referred to nearby health posts and Dr. R.N. Cooper Hospital for further care and treatment. This step was made possible through our collaboration with the Community Medicine Department, ensuring that beneficiaries have access to necessary medical support.

Additionally, a core element of this campaign was raising awareness about the importance of anemia testing and how it can help identify underlying health concerns early. We promoted a deeper understanding of how regular iron and folic acid supplementation can significantly reduce the risk of anemia, leading to better maternal and child health outcomes.

Our Objectives and Expected Impact

The primary objectives of this mass-level screening campaign were:

  1. Reduce severe anemia in pregnant and lactating women by 20%, and in adolescent girls by 15%.
  2. Reduce the overall prevalence of anemia among the selected beneficiaries by 15%.
  3. Increase testing for anemia by 50% among the beneficiaries.

We believe that with proper intervention, we can make a significant impact on the health and well-being of the community, particularly the most vulnerable groups. This screening initiative is a step toward improving maternal and child health, ensuring that those affected by anemia can receive timely care and treatment.

Looking Forward: A Healthier Tomorrow

This screening campaign is part of our broader commitment to combating malnutrition and anemia across India. By engaging with local health centers, raising awareness in the community, and ensuring that those in need receive the necessary treatments, we are making strides toward better health outcomes. We are proud of the progress made in Gaondevi, and we remain dedicated to scaling up these efforts in other regions.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the partners, workers, and volunteers who contributed to the success of this campaign. Together, we are working toward a future where anemia no longer holds back the health and potential of our communities.

Stay tuned for more updates on our health initiatives and how we continue to fight for a healthier and nourished India.




Project Vruddhi’s District-Level Dissemination Workshop – Sabarkantha, Gujarat

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Action Against Hunger’s interventions in Sabarkantha, Gujarat, through Project Vruddhi, focused on improving maternal and child health and nutrition outcomes by strengthening systems in collaboration with Gujarat’s ICDS-WCD and Health Departments.
Through this initiative, we provided technical support to enhance service delivery mechanisms, addressing critical challenges such as childhood malnutrition and maternal and child anemia. Additionally, we worked to bridge gaps in service delivery and actively promoted the increased uptake of essential health and nutrition services within the community.
To commemorate the progress and achievements of the project, which began its implementation in 2021, we hosted a District-level dissemination workshop in December 2024. This event served as a platform to highlight major impacts, share key learnings, and celebrate collaborative successes. The workshop was graced by esteemed dignitaries, including Dr. R. B. Sutariya (CDHO, Sabarkantha), Ms. Alpaben Solanki (Program Officer, Sabarkantha), and Dr. S. H. Dedrotiya (I/C ADHO & RCHO, Sabarkantha). The gathering also included Child Development Project Officers (CDPOs), Taluka Health Officers ( THOs), members of the Jilla Panchayat, and the Action Against Hunger team. The workshop underscored the importance of sustained collaboration with the government as a model for sustainable development.

During its tenure, Project Vruddhi achieved remarkable improvements in maternal and child health and nutrition outcomes. The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding among children below five months reached an impressive 89%, while timely initiation of complementary feeding rose to 53% for children aged 6-8 months, with 76% of those aged 6-11 months receiving complementary feeding on time. Among children aged 9-11 months, 48% achieved minimum dietary diversity, and 65% of children aged 6-23 months received a minimum acceptable diet. On the maternal health front, 83% of pregnant women registered within the first trimester, ensuring timely access to healthcare, while over 87% attended four or more antenatal care (ANC) check-ups, with 99% receiving at least one ANC visit. Additionally, Iron-Folic Acid (IFA) tablet distribution achieved 93% coverage, with a significant improvement in adherence.

While celebrating collective achievements, participants also identified gaps to address, reaffirming their commitment to ensuring a healthier start for every child.




Action Against Hunger: Advancing India’s Sustainable Development Goals

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“We are all part of the solution to the challenges we face. Only by working together can we achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.” These powerful words from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) capture the essence of our mission at Action Against Hunger. 

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a roadmap set by the United Nations to guide nations toward a better, more sustainable world. In India, we are proud to play a key role in advancing four crucial SDGs: No Poverty (Goal 1), Zero Hunger (Goal 2), Good Health and Well-Being (Goal 3), Clean Water and Sanitation (Goal 6) and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17). These interconnected goals focus on addressing fundamental human needs such as lifting people out of poverty, ensuring food security, promoting better health, and providing access to clean water. Through collaboration and collective action, we are working towards a healthier, more sustainable future for all.

SDG 1: No Poverty – Lifting People Out of Poverty

Poverty is a complex issue that requires multifaceted solutions. At Action Against Hunger, we believe in tackling poverty not just through immediate relief, but with long-term strategies that empower communities and provide sustainable solutions. We focus on skill development, financial literacy, and promoting improved agricultural practices, all aimed at helping individuals break the poverty cycle and build sustainable livelihoods.

In Dharni Block, Maharashtra, Bansi Sawalkar’s success with pisciculture transformed her livelihood and inspired her community. Since 2017, Action Against Hunger has supported 39 villages, and in 2023, launched a Fish Farming Project with Jaljeevika to enhance food security and livelihoods and lift people out of poverty. 

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SDG 2: Zero Hunger – Ensuring Food Security for All

Achieving Zero Hunger is a goal that aligns with the very essence of our mission at Action Against Hunger. We focus on preventing and treating malnutrition through nutritional support, awareness campaigns, and widespread screenings. Our work goes beyond immediate relief, as we aim to provide long-term solutions by educating families about good nutrition, including the importance of breastfeeding, complementary feeding, and sustainable agricultural practices like home gardening.

11-month-old Anshula Shaikh (name changed) from Govandi, Maharashtra, was found to have moderate acute malnutrition (MAM). She was only breastfed, lacking complementary food. Action Against Hunger’s team educated her mother on nutrition and provided Take Home Ration (THR). With support, Anshula’s health improved over time.

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SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being – Promoting Health for All

Good health is the foundation of a prosperous society. At Action Against Hunger, we are committed to improving health outcomes, particularly for vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, children, and families in underserved areas. Our efforts focus on maternal health, childhood diseases, and ensuring access to essential healthcare services, such as immunizations and antenatal/postnatal care. Through home visits, training healthcare workers, and raising awareness, we help reduce maternal and child mortality while fostering healthier communities.

In Sathe Nagar, Sharda Kamble (name changed) was diagnosed with moderate malnutrition. With counselling and a shift to healthier meals, her weight rose from 12.8 kg to 14 kg in three months. Her story highlights the power of community support in fighting malnutrition.

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SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – Ensuring Access to Safe Water and Sanitation

Access to clean water and proper sanitation is essential for good health and well-being. Through our work, we aim to improve hygiene practices and ensure that communities have access to safe water and sanitation facilities. We work on infrastructure development, conduct hygiene education campaigns, and implement initiatives like handwashing stations and community latrines to help prevent waterborne diseases and improve overall public health

Through the Tippy Taps initiative, schools in Dharni are now equipped with handwashing stations, promoting better hygiene. Installed in schools across Dhodra, Nardu, Jhajaridhana, Khidki, and Rohinkhed, the initiative teaches life-saving handwashing techniques, creating a cleaner, safer environment for students and teachers.

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SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Fostering Collaboration for Impact

The Sustainable Development Goals are achievable only through the power of collective partnerships. SDG 17 underscores the vital need for global collaboration to tackle complex challenges and deliver sustainable solutions.

At Action Against Hunger, we prioritize building partnerships that advance macroeconomic stability, mobilize financial resources for developing countries, and promote equitable trade systems. In collaboration with the Government of India, we work to combat hunger and malnutrition, mobilize essential resources, and advocate for equitable systems. Our initiatives also focus on empowering communities and fostering grassroots change, paving the way for inclusive progress and long-term, sustainable impact.

Achieving Sustainable Change TogetherAchieving Sustainable Change Together

At Action Against Hunger, our work isn’t just about meeting immediate needs; it’s about creating lasting, transformative change. By addressing the root causes of poverty, hunger, poor health, and lack of sanitation, we’re not just improving lives, in fact we’re shaping a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Through our focus on nutrition, healthcare, and hygiene, we are building stronger communities and paving the way for a healthier, more equitable world. Together, we can break the cycle of hunger and poverty, empower individuals, and ensure that no one is left behind. The journey towards a sustainable, thriving future begins with each of us. Let’s make it happen.

Newborn Care and Breastfeeding Guide for New Moms by Dr. Bhavesh D Rathod

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Introduction to Newborn Care

Newborns, or neonates, are babies from birth up to 28 days old. Approximately 85% of newborns require only basic care. This guide covers essential topics such as Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC), breastfeeding stages, the importance of vaccinations, supportive environments, and regular checkups, offering new mothers a comprehensive approach to newborn care.

Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC)

Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) is a method of skin-to-skin contact between the mother and baby to enhance bonding and stimulate breast milk production. This technique is highly beneficial for regulating the baby’s body temperature, providing warmth without the fluctuations that can occur with other methods. The following guidelines ensure optimal results with KMC:

  • Dressing: The baby should wear a cap, socks, a diaper, and a frock covering the back, ensuring skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby.
  • Duration: Each KMC session should last at least 2-3 hours to minimize handling.
  • Family Involvement: Any adult family member, including the father, can give KMC to the baby. Studies suggest that fathers providing KMC help maintain the baby’s body temperature effectively.
  • Application Settings: KMC is recommended in delivery wards, post-natal wards, NICUs, and during baby transport to prevent hypothermia, particularly in low-birth-weight infants.

KMC Don’ts

  • Avoid applying kajal or any foreign substances to the baby’s eyes.
  • Do not use oil drops in the baby’s eyes, ears, nose, or umbilical cord.
  • Do not handle babies too frequently.
  • Do not allow the baby to be in contact with sick people.
  • Refrain from giving unnecessary medications.

Advantages of Breastfeeding and it’s Stages

Breastmilk is a complete food that meets all the nutritional needs of a baby for the first six months, addressing both hunger and thirst. It provides essential nutrients, supports immune function, and fosters a strong mother-child bond . Colostrum is the first milk produced immediately after childbirth that is thick, yellowish, and packed with proteins, vitamins, and antibodies that help build the baby’s immune system.

Benefits of Breastfeeding

For the Baby:

  • Nutritional: Provides nutrients to the child as per requirement, ensuring optimal absorption and digestion.
  • Immune Support: Helps develop a strong immune system and through antibodies, protects babies from illnesses.
  • Growth and Development: Promotes cognitive and physical development, , lowers the risk of respiratory and gastrointestinal issues, and ensures emotional attachment between mother and child.

For the Mother:

  • Postpartum Health: Helps uterus contract, reducing risk of bleeding, and promotes post-partum weight loss.
  • Long-Term Health: Lowers the risks of breast cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and type 2 diabetes.

For the Family, Environment, and Community:

  • Cost-Effective: Reduces financial expenses on formula and healthcare.
  • Eco-Friendly: Less reliance on disposable bottles and formula packaging.

Importance of Vaccinations

Vaccinations are essential for preventing life-threatening infections in newborns. The first set of vaccinations, including BCG, hepatitis B, and polio, are typically administered soon after birth. Vaccines help protect against illnesses like diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, and measles. Maintaining a vaccination schedule is vital for the baby’s immunity, and new parents should consult their pediatrician to stay informed about required immunizations and booster shots.

Supportive Environment for Mother and Baby

The early days with a newborn are both joyful and demanding. Support from family members, especially the father and other caregivers, is crucial to ensure that the mother can focus on recovery and breastfeeding. Here are ways to create a nurturing environment:

  • Father’s Involvement: Fathers can provide KMC, assist with feedings, and support the mother emotionally, creating a bond with the baby, and ensure mothers enough time to rest.
  • Caregiver Support: Family members can help with household tasks, allowing the mother to focus on breastfeeding and bonding.
  • Emotional Support: Open communication and emotional reassurance from family members can positively impact the mother’s mental well-being.

Importance of Regular Checkups

Regular pediatric checkups ensure that the newborn’s growth, nutrition, and health milestones are on track. These visits allow early detection of any health issues and provide an opportunity for parents to ask questions about care, breastfeeding, and vaccinations. Schedule the first checkup within a few days after birth, with subsequent appointments guided by your paediatrician.

Conclusion

The first few weeks of a newborn’s life are critical for bonding, nutrition, and development. Practising Kangaroo Mother Care, ensuring successful breastfeeding, adhering to a vaccination schedule, creating a supportive environment, and scheduling regular checkups are all essential steps for maternal and infant health. This comprehensive approach to infant feeding not only promotes the baby’s growth, immunity, and attachment but also strengthens the family bond. Breastfeeding, in particular, offers numerous advantages by providing essential nutrients, supporting maternal-infant attachment, and fostering long-term health benefits.

Remember, when in doubt, always consult with a healthcare provider to address any concerns about your newborn’s health and development.

References

  1. Kangaroo Mother Care & Optimal Feeding of Low Birth Weight Infants (Operational Guidelines) Available at: https://nhm.gov.in/images/pdf/programmes/child-health/guidelines/Operational_Guidelines-KMC_&_Optimal_feeding_of_Low_Birth_Weight_Infants.pdf
  2. WHO – Infant and Young child feeding. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/infant-and-young-child-feeding
  3. National Immunization Schedule. Available at: https://nhm.gov.in/New_Updates_2018/NHM_Components/Immunization/report/National_%20Immunization_Schedule.pdf


Author

Dr. Bhavesh D Rathod

Dr. Bhavesh D. Rathod is an accomplished medical professional, currently practicing as a Pediatrician and Neonatologist. With an MBBS and MD in Pediatrics, he is dedicated to the healthcare and well-being of children.

National Nutrition Week: Fueling Futures with Nutrition Awareness

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September marked Nutrition Month nationwide, and Action Against Hunger joined in the celebration with impactful programs across Andheri (Mumbai), Dharni(Maharashtra), and Sabarkantha (Gujarat). Our efforts focused on guiding parents toward nutritious choices, balancing healthy foods with occasional treats to provide the best diet for their children.

At Shatabdi Hospital in Govandi, we raised awareness through informative discussions and demonstrations for lactating mothers, complemented by a poster exhibition highlighting the benefits of healthy food. At Cooper Hospital in Andheri, we hosted sessions on nutrition, breastfeeding, and hygiene, educating pregnant women about healthy eating and the significance of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) for mothers. Additionally, interactive sessions at our Andheri office engaged pregnant women and parents of young children, promoting Take Home Ration (THR) through a Recipe Exhibition, while emphasizing the importance of balanced diets via role-playing activities.

In Dharni, Action Against Hunger engaged 166 participants across seven villages under the theme “Nutritious Food for All.” In Sabarkantha, we promoted holistic nutrition through Social and Behavior Change (SBC) meetings and Poshan Chaupal. Additionally, we utilized folk theater (Bhavai), along with engaging videos and jingles, to strengthen community connections and raise awareness.

Good nutrition is vital for children’s development, laying the foundation for their physical growth, cognitive abilities, and immunity. Without adequate nourishment, children are at risk of stunted growth, weakened immune systems, and learning difficulties, limiting their potential in the long run. Action Against Hunger is dedicated to promoting healthier communities by delivering focused nutrition programs that specifically meet the needs of at-risk children.. Through community-based education, distribution of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), and training sessions for health workers and caregivers, we equip families with the knowledge and resources to make nutritious choices. Our efforts ensure that children not only receive immediate nutritional support but also benefit from a lasting foundation for better health, fostering stronger, healthier futures in the communities we serve.

These initiatives fostered awareness and encouraged healthier choices for a better tomorrow.



Empowering Community Health Officers: Building Capacity for Sustainable Impact!

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Project Vruddhi by Action Against Hunger is dedicatedly working towards enhancing nutrition outcomes in Sabarkantha, Gujarat, through collaboration with the ICDS – WCD and Health departments.

Community Health Officers (CHOs) are a new cadre of paramedical staff posted at Health and Wellness Centres. They act as a facilitator for ensuring timely provision of primary health care to the community. Through our intervention of Capacity Building, this cadre has been empowered for Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) counselling and has been very proactive for getting positive results in spreading awareness among the community and providing supportive supervision to frontline workers (FLWs).

One such Community Health Officers (CHOs) is Hitenkumar Vankar, who serves at Khedva Primary Healthcare Center (PHC).
 
CHO, along with Project Vruddhi’s Field Coordinator at a joint home visit.
CHO- while conducting a Mother’s Meeting.
To ensure consistency in organizing Mother’s Meetings across the eight blocks in Sabarkantha, Project Vruddhi has developed a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) which Hitendra Vankar actively implements. He appreciates the way SOPs have streamlined logistics and enhanced community mobilization, thereby ensuring effective service delivery.
Moreover, in consultation with the Health and ICDS Departments, Project Vruddhi’s team introduced ‘Counseling Cards’ – an Interpersonal Communication (IPC) tool customized for tailored counseling sessions. Hitendra Vankar, has been trained for its usage and acknowledges the fact that uniformity of messages has proved to have impactful efficacy in spreading awareness.

Vankar’s extensive community knowledge proves invaluable, particularly in identifying community-level influencers for initiatives like Poshan Chaupal – an initiative by Project Vruddhi aimed at improving nutrition outcomes for both mothers and children.

We commend Vankar for his enthusiasm and valuable contributions. Offering training and development opportunities to personnel in the Health and ICDS departments, represented by Vankar, is a significant stride towards bolstering the system and fostering a sustainable model.

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