The Health and Family Welfare Department and the Women and Child Development Department, Government of Gujarat, in collaboration with Action Against Hunger India, jointly organized a State-Level Dissemination Workshop for Project Vruddhi in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

This significant event served as a platform to bring together key stakeholders from across the state, including government officials, health practitioners, program implementers, and development partners. The workshop aimed to present and discuss the key learnings, achievements, and best practices emerging from Project Vruddhi’s implementation in Sabarkantha district.

Through a series of engaging sessions, experiential sharing, and the presentation of the Endline Evaluation Findings, the workshop created a space for honest reflection—highlighting what has worked well, what challenges remain, and how these insights can be effectively translated into evidence-based, scalable solutions for maternal and child health interventions.

Dignitaries present were :

• Shri Harshad M. Vora, IAS – District Development Officer, Sabarkantha
• Dr. Nayan Jani – Additional Director, Family Welfare, Government of Gujarat
• Dr. R. B. Sutariya – Chief District Health Officer (CDHO), Sabarkantha
• Ms. Jignasa C. Pandya – Mission Director, Poshan Abhiyaan, Gujarat

Their presence underscored the government’s commitment to improving health and nutrition outcomes and the importance of collaborative action to address systemic challenges.

At its heart, Project Vruddhi represents more than a program—it is a testimony to what sustained partnerships, community-centric approaches, and data-driven strategies can achieve. By closely working with the government, healthcare workers, and local communities, the project has successfully piloted and refined interventions aimed at improving maternal, infant, and young child nutrition and care.

The workshop served as a celebration of this collective journey—one marked by innovation, dedication, and impact. Project Vruddhi stands as a model of how insights can be transformed into meaningful, real-world solutions that drive long-termchange and improve lives on the ground.

Anganwadi Centers (AWCs) play a vital role in providing early childhood education, nutrition, and healthcare to young children in underserved communities. However, over the years, many centers in Dhar (Madhya Pradesh), Baran (Rajasthan), and Sanand (Gujarat) had deteriorated due to prolonged use, exposure to harsh environmental conditions, and a lack of regular maintenance. These issues created unsafe, unhygienic, and uninspiring environments, severely impacting the children’s overall well-being and learning outcomes.

A well-maintained Anganwadi is not just a physical space but a foundation for early childhood development. It plays a pivotal role in ensuring cognitive, emotional, and physical growth in children by providing a safe and engaging environment. A poor infrastructure with damaged walls, broken doors, inadequate water supply, and faulty electrical systems creates significant risks, including accidents, lack of hygiene, and reduced learning efficiency.

This refurbishment helped to transform the Anganwadi into a child-friendly, safe, and stimulating environment where young learners can thrive. By improving structural integrity, enhancing aesthetic appeal, and ensuring the functionality of essential utilities, this initiative supported for better health, hygiene, and educational outcomes. Moreover, a well-maintained center will encourage higher attendance, active participation from the community, and overall improvement in service delivery.

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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

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.

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.

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.

A 5 day District Level Workshop on Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN) with special emphasis on Breast Feeding techniques was organized for sensitizing and training the Health and ICDS-WCD officials in collaboration by the technical support from Project Vruddhi – an initiative by Action Against Hunger at Star City, Himmatnagar from May 28 to June 1, 2024. 

The workshop was attended by 50 identified master trainers from the HFWD and ICDS-WCD. The workshop was complimented by the presence of members on the dais namely Shri Harshad M. Vora IAS – District Development Officer (DDO) Sabarkantha, Dr. B. H. Patel – Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) Sabarkantha, Dr. Raj B. Sutariya – Chief District Health Officer (CDHO)  Sabarkantha, Dr. K. S. Charan, In-charge Programme Officer (PO)-ICDS & Additional District Health Officer (ADHO) – Sabarkantha, Dr.Jayesh Katira, Regional Deputy Director (RDD) – Gandhinagar, Dr,Rajesh Gopal, Liasoning Officer – Sabarkantha & Director Gujarat State AIDS Control Society (GSACS), Dr. A.I.Malik, District Quality Assurance Medical Officer (DQAMO), and Dr.Pravin Damor, Epidemic Medical Officer(EMO) .  Dr. Rupal Dalal – Director – Maternal and Child Health (SMDT), Ms. Deepali Kedarnath Fargade – Manager CSR – Health and Nutrition – Tilaknagar Industries Ltd., Shital Mohan Hiwale – Project Director – Shrimati Malati Dahanukar Trust facilitated the training. 

The workshop began with the representation of NFHS data and evidences gathered from the field followed by discussions on other MIYCN topics. A special session on effective Breast-feeding techniques was addressed by Dr. Rupal Dalal. A session on importance of weight gain with breastfeeding, Latching and feeding positions for effective breast-feeding, manual expression of breast milk and its storage was also done. During the workshop, reasons for ineffective breastfeeding due to nipple and breast conditions was also discussed along with the importance of skin-to-skin contact after C-section, Kangaroo Mother Care(KMC), making of KMC bag and basics of newborn care. Later during the workshop, a discussion on the importance of first 1000 days, complimentary feeding, various types of essential nutrients and demonstration of protein-rich recipes were done. A special visit was done to GMERS Himmatnagar where all the participants along with the facilitators visited all  mothers of new born babies were educated for breast feeding positions and techniques, that helped them to achieve effective breastfeeding of the newborns.   

A pre-test and a post-test was conducted for all participants to ensure that effective MIYCN Training was imparted.  

Action Against Hunger, India, in collaboration with the Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Community Medicine at HBT Medical College, along with Dr. R. N. Cooper Municipal General Hospital, conducted a three-day training program on Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) at HBT Medical College. 

The training was inaugurated by Dr. Manisha Khare, the Dean of Academics, in the presence of department heads, professors, house officers, nurses, the vice-principal of the School of Nursing, and the Action Against Hunger India team. 

Over 40 participants, including third-year Nursing Students, Medical College students, and Nursing Staff from the Pediatrics and Gynecology departments, took part in the interactive and participatory sessions organized during the training. 

Dignitaries highlighted that HBTMC and Dr. R N Cooper Hospital are pioneers in establishing a dedicated KMC Unit among all major civic hospitals and teaching institutions under MCGM. Additionally, they emphasized that HBTMC and Copper Hospital are among the first institutes to introduce KMC Training in tertiary healthcare facilities. 

The Social and Behavior Change (SBC) intervention by Project Vruddhi, an initiative by Action Against Hunger, is a key pillar in strengthening the Nutrition Infrastructure in Sabarkantha, Gujarat. Through this intervention, Project Vruddhi aims to technically equip the staff of the Health and Women & Child Development Department (WCD) within the Government of Gujarat towards improved service delivery. Beyond the system-level intervention, for both direct and indirect beneficiaries at the community level, Project Vruddhi focuses on enhancing service utilization through SBC.

Solely focusing on pregnant and lactating mothers for SBC through Mother’s Meetings, organized jointly by the Health and ICDS – WCD Department staff along with the Project Vruddhi team, wasn’t enough. To build a robust support system, the inclusion of key influencers in a family – husbands, mothers-in-law, fathers-in-law, and other family members, as well as key community-level influencers to reinforce the messages for improved Maternal, Infant, and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN), was necessary. Hence, Project Vruddhi’s team, in consultation with the Chief District Health Officer (CDHO), Sabarkantha, initiated Poshan Chaupals(Nutrition Meets).

To ensure effectiveness and engagement, the Project Vruddhi team strategically designed two strategies for the Poshan Chaupal:

1. Involvement of community-level influencers to sensitize the communities
2. Participation of husbands and other family members in such Chaupals

Poshan Chaupals were conceived to holistically address and improve maternal and child health and nutrition. To enhance the impact of the Chaupal, Project Vruddhi’s team takes proactive steps for community mobilization to ensure active participation of family members of pregnant women and children under 2 years of age.

The community influencers, often the Sarpanch, Panchayat member, social worker, teacher, or community leader, communicate about the prevention of maternal anemia, appropriate breastfeeding, and complementary feeding practices. Family members actively participate and recognize their roles in supporting the well-being of both mother and child, thereby creating an enabling environment that fosters better nutrition outcomes for them.

Poshan Chaupals have been organized on a monthly basis in each of the eight blocks of Sabarkantha district since September 2023.