Project Vruddhi- an initiative by Action Against Hunger, is committed to supporting the efforts of the Health and Women & Child Development Department (WCD) within the Government of Gujarat to support the accelerated realization of the goals outlined under Poshan Abhiyan. With a focus on enhancing health and nutrition service delivery systems, the project aims to lend technical assistance to the taskforce overseeing Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN) under the Health and ICDS scheme.  Additionally, it strives to equip the district officials with leadership acumen and Supervisory cadre with supportive supervision skills, thereby fostering sustainable progress.

In alignment with this vision, a two-day training workshop was organized for Sabarkantha district officials across both the departments in collaboration with the Department of Health and ICDS – WCD, Zilla Panchayat, Sabarkantha between December and February 2024.

Dr. Raj Sutaria, CDHO Sabarkantha, Dr. S. H. Dedhrotiya, RCHO Sabarkantha, and Manisha Brahmbhatt, Program Officer, ICDS, were the key guests at these workshops.

 1.Leadership Excellence: Igniting Potential, Inspiring Action 

The Leadership Excellence workshop, organized in December 2023, aimed to equip participants such as Programme Officers and Taluka Health Officers with essential leadership skills, enhance their strategic thinking, and inspire them to lead with authenticity and impact. The workshop incorporated theoretical knowledge, interactive activities, and practical applications to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of leadership essentials.

 2.Empowering Health and ICDS Supervisors: A Workshop on Leadership and Enhancing Supportive Supervision 

Empowering Health and ICDS Supervisors workshop, organized in February 2024, aimed to equip participants such as Female Health Workers (FHS), Multi-purpose Health Workers (MPHW) from the Health Department, and Lady Supervisors from the ICDS – WCD Department with knowledge, skills, and tools to become effective leaders and supportive supervisors within their organizations. This workshop served as a platform to share experiences and network.

Action Against Hunger (ACF) India organized a two-day workshop to share the learning and experiences of Project Navodaya, supported by the SBI Life Insurance, in Baran, Rajasthan, which is an aspirational district. As this was the exit year of the project, ACF also used the opportunity to hand-over the project to the district administration which was represented by the District Medical Health Officer, Dr. Sampath Raj Nagar.

Dr. Nagar appreciated the efforts of ACF in helping administration upgrade the skills of ASHA and Aanganwadi workers (AWWs) as well reaching out to beneficiaries with targeted interventions for pregnant and lactating mother, low-birth babies, and malnourished children under the age of 5. He also emphasized the contribution that ACF made in the most backward tribal areas of the district namely Kishanganj and Shahbad.

Dr. Nagar also highlighted that while earlier there were issues with the record keeping and proper documentation of ANC & PNC check-ups as well as screening data by ASHA and Aanganwadi workers, the same saw major improvements thanks to ACF field and technical staff who for almost around five years provided day to day support to ASHAs and AWWs, monitoring and supervision assistance to the administration, and timely reporting of crucial data to the top district officials.

While handing over the project to the Baran administration, ACF India’s Chief Operations Officer Dr. Ulhas Vasave hoped that ACF’s prioritization of maternal and child health in Baran as per 1000 days approach will remain relevant for the district administration to execute their programs and plans. He further said that the learning and experiences of ACF’s work in Baran will help the organization to further its agenda eradicating malnutrition from the areas where we work.

Project Navodaya, that was a five-year grant from the SBI Life Insurance, comes to an end in Baran and Dhar districts of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh where it targeted pregnant & lactating mothers and malnourished children. Project’s emphasis on system strengthening and behavioral change through community engagement saw some high impact outcomes. ACF team feels confident that the improvements that the project saw in these two districts are of sustainable nature as the focus of Project Navodaya was always on empowering frontline workers and communities rather than treating them just as some service recipients or beneficiaries.

India’s National Family and Health Survey – 5 (2019-21) highlights a concerning rise in the prevalence of anaemia among women of reproductive age, with an alarming 57%. This signifies a 7.3% increase from NFHS 4, indicating a pressing need for targeted interventions. In the adolescent demographic, the increase is even more pronounced at 9.2%, escalating from 54.1% to 59.1%.

In response to this health crisis, Action Against Hunger India has launched Project Shubharambh, a pilot initiative in Sanand, strategically aimed at mitigating the burden of anaemia among adolescent girls.

Objectives:

• Proactive Anaemia Testing and enhancing the quality of T3 (Test, Talk, Treat camps)
  • Strengthening T3 (Test, Talk and treat) camps to facilitate early identification and testing of anemia amongst adolescent girls.

• Alleviating Burden on Specific Adolescent Girls:
  • Targeting high-prevalence areas in Sanand to focus resources on those most in need.

• Nutrition Health Education sessions: Organizing nutrition and health education sessions and guiding adolescent girls on the basics of anaemia, its prevention, and treatment.

• Community Engagement and leveraging festivals
  • Integrating community engagement and awareness programs by leveraging festivities of the traditional dance, Garba organized during and after the festival of Navratri to raise awareness on anaemia at the school and community settings.

Capacity & Ecosystem Strengthening:

In parallel, Action Against Hunger India is committed to strengthening the healthcare ecosystem. The organization will provide:

• Capacity-Strengthening Training:
  • Focused capacity building of frontline functionaries of health and ICDS department by strengthening the current practices of identification, prevention, and treatment of anaemia.

• Sustainability Measures:
  • Promoting sustainable practices of consuming locally and traditionally available iron rich foods in anaemia management to ensure long-term impact.
  • Establishing partnerships with local authorities and stakeholders to integrate anaemia prevention into routine healthcare services.
  • Promoting awareness among family members and adolescent girls to recognize the initial visible signs of anemia, encouraging adolescent girls to undergo testing, and facilitating early identification, prevention and treatment. This initiative not only aims to sensitize the community but also strives to promote the utilization of government-provided programs and facilities under anemia control initiatives such as free distribution of IFA tablets at schools and community settings and ensuring its consumption

Project Shubharambh is a holistic initiative designed to combat the rising numbers of anaemia among adolescent girls in Sanand. By combining targeted interventions, community engagement, and capacity-building efforts, Action Against Hunger India aims to create a sustainable model that can be scaled up to address anaemia challenges nationwide. Together, we strive for a healthier and brighter future for the adolescent girls of Sanand.

The launch of Project Sampurna in Ankleshwar, Gujarat, supported by Glenmark Life Sciences and implemented by Action Against Hunger India, marks a pivotal moment in our collective journey. The project adopts a comprehensive life cycle approach, seamlessly integrating health and Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) to provide holistic support to the community.

As part of the initiative, Project Sampurna will conduct a robust baseline assessment, anemia screening in adolescent girls and screening for malnutrition amongst children. Our commitment extends from the pre-conception stage in girls through adolescence, incorporating Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC) interventions aligned with a 1000-day approach.

This project is poised to make a significant impact on the health and well-being of mothers and children up to 5 years old. We ensure timely referrals for facility interventions when necessary, ensuring that every child receives the care they need for a healthy start in life.

Our shared goal is to sculpt a robust, anemia-free India by addressing health challenges at their roots. The project is a testament to the transformative power of unity, illustrating how collaboration can pave the way for a healthier and brighter future for all.

This initiative is not just about addressing immediate health concerns but is a long-term commitment to fostering a community that thrives. Join us in this journey as we work together to create a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of the mothers and children we aim to serve. Together, we can build a healthier, brighter tomorrow.

 

Action Against Hunger India in collaboration with Department of Community Medicine, HBT Medical College and Dr. R. N. Cooper Municipal General Hospital launched Poshan Outpatient Department (OPD) at the Urban Health & Training Centre (UHTC) in Andheri. The main goal of this initiative is to combat child malnutrition by implementing a treatment-based approach and ensuring proper follow-up according to the established protocol.

The OPD inauguration was graced by the distinguished presence of Dr. Shailesh Mohite, the esteemed Dean of HBT Medical College and Dr. R. N. Cooper Municipal General Hospital, Mumbai. The event witnessed the participation of hospital staff, as well as employees from Action Against Hunger India who worked tirelessly for this day.

This community-based OPD in our intervention area aims to provide specialized services and follow-up care to improve the nutritional status of children. The unit operates with the objective of combating child malnutrition and promoting the overall well-being of affected children. Together, we are committed to fostering a healthier nation.

Understanding the importance of POSHAN OPD:

POSHAN OPD stands for “Prevention of Malnutrition and Outpatient Department.” It is a program implemented in India to address the issue of malnutrition in children. The program focuses on providing preventive and curative services for malnourished children through specialized outpatient departments (OPDs) in various healthcare facilities.

The main objectives of the POSHAN OPD program are as follows:

1. Identification: The program aims to identify malnourished children through regular screenings and assessments conducted at healthcare centers. These screenings involve measuring weight, height, and other relevant indicators to assess the nutritional status of children.
2. Diagnosis and Treatment: Once a child is identified as malnourished, the program provides diagnosis and treatment services through specialized OPDs. The treatment includes a combination of medical interventions, nutritional counseling, and provision of therapeutic foods or supplements to address the child’s nutritional deficiencies.
3. Monitoring and Follow-up: The POSHAN OPD program emphasizes regular monitoring and follow-up of malnourished children to track their progress and ensure proper adherence to the treatment plan. This includes regular check-ups, weight monitoring, and nutritional counseling for caregivers to promote long-term recovery and sustained improvement in the child’s nutritional status.
4. Capacity Building: The program also focuses on building the capacity of healthcare professionals involved in managing malnutrition cases. This includes training healthcare providers on the identification, treatment, and prevention of malnutrition, as well as providing them with necessary tools and resources to deliver effective care.

The POSHAN OPD program is part of the broader POSHAN Abhiyaan (National Nutrition Mission), launched by the Government of India in 2018, with the goal of reducing malnutrition and improving the nutritional status of children and women across the country. The program’s initiatives are implemented through a network of healthcare facilities, including primary health centers, community health centers, and district hospitals, with the aim of reaching children in both rural and urban areas.

In a bid to combat malnutrition and improve the nutritional status of children,  we recently launched  Kangaroo Mother Care Unit (KMC) at HBT Medical College & Dr. R. N. Cooper Mun. Gen. Hospital, Mumbai in collaboration with Cooper Hospital. The KMC unit is aimed at providing support to premature and low-birth-weight infants and their mothers.

The unit was inaugurated by Dr. Shailesh Mohite, Dean of HBT Medical College & Dr. R. N. Cooper Mun. Gen. Hospital Mumbai, and Mr. Ashwini Kakkar, Chairperson of Action Against Hunger. This pilot project has been initiated with the aim of improving the health outcomes for stable, preterm and low birth weight babies and reducing infant mortality.

Kangaroo Mother Care is a simple yet effective method of care for premature or low birth weight babies. It involves skin-to-skin contact between the mother and her baby, with the baby being held upright against the mother’s chest. The KMC method has been proven to be highly effective in reducing mortality rates, improving infant health, and promoting breastfeeding.

The KMC unit at Cooper Hospital will provide mothers and babies with a comfortable and safe environment, where they can receive the necessary care and support. The 24-hour unit will have trained nurses and doctors from Action Against Hunger India to run the unit, along with counseling sessions for the mothers and follow-up post-discharge of the mother and child. 

Through this initiative, Action Against Hunger India aims to contribute towards reducing the burden of malnutrition and infant mortality in India. The organization plans to continue working towards improving the health and well-being of mothers and children across the country.

 

Action Against Hunger India organized a day long consultation in Jaipur to discuss and analyze policy options on the issues of malnutrition in Rajasthan. The discussion was attended by various representatives from government department, development organizations, and Panchayati Raj representatives. The consultation was addressed by Mr. Naveen Jain, Secretary Panchayati Raj Department and Mr. Ramavtar Meena, Director ICDS Rajasthan.

The state level consultation discussed in detail the ways to improve child malnutrition and maternal health in Rajasthan. While welcoming the guests, Action Against Hunger India’s CEO Mr. Vinay Iyer said, that ‘this consultation will serve as a platform for development partners and agencies to come together and deliberate on the strategies to address child malnutrition in Rajasthan.’ He also emphasized on having an open and honest dialogue on the issue of child malnutrition in the state and at the national level.

Addressing the consultation, Mr. Naveen Jain, Secretary Panchayati Raj highlighted various issues related to nutrition sensitive programming and localization of Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs). He said that in Rajasthan there is a conducive environment that can help defeat severe malnutrition in a time-bound manner. He highlighted the learning and success of Naya Savera project being implemented in Baran district of Rajasthan and emphasized that the project must be replicated by all the district. Naya Savera project identifies severely malnourished children and links them with targeted services like Energy Dense Nutrition Supplement (EDNS) that can help severely malnourished children overcome malnutrition in a timely manner.

Mr. Ramavtar Meena, Director ICDS applauded development partners for their contribution towards maternal and child health and development. He also emphasized on the need of undertaking a holistic approach to address child malnutrition as in addition to issues like poverty and underdevelopment, other dietary, environmental, and care-seeking factors also play crucial role in determining child and maternal health. He hoped that the proposed consultation that plans to bring together partners from various departments and development agencies will compliment the government’s efforts towards eradicating child malnutrition.

Mr. Subodh Kumar Jha, EVP & Chief of Human Resources & Management Services, SBI Life Insurance, said, “While our country is facing a major malnutrition crisis amongst children, pregnant women and nursing mothers. It is extremely humbling to see our efforts invoking overwhelming support from the entire ecosystem. Senior government functionaries, development organizations, NGO partners, Panchayati Raj representatives, corporate India, every stakeholder has converged for solving the very real problem of malnutrition in the country. We sincerely hope that such progressive efforts can catalyse change to make the nation realise its dream of a malnourishment-free India by 2030.”

He further added, ” We are glad to have received this opportunity through our CSR Partner, Action Against Hunger (AAH) to concentrate our efforts towards the larger cause. As by eradicating malnourishment we can truly liberate individuals to pursue their dreams and aspirations, by enabling every child to develop to their full potential.

Other than the senior government officials and department representatives, various development organizations such as UNICEF, Aravali, IPE Global, ActionAid, Evidence Action, Mamta, Piramal Swasthya, KPMG, The Hunger Project, and others also participated and shared their learning during the consultation. It was reiterated that sarpanches have a larger role to play in ensuring that not even a single child remains malnourished. The participants also talked about ways to strengthen village level planning, using Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs) to strengthen nutrition services, as well as supporting various village level bodies like VHNDs, VCDCs, and VHCs, etc.

Action Against Hunger pushed for the various needs identified during their program implementation including the availability of functional anthropometric equipment at Anganwadi Centers, sensitization the community on the consumption of Take-Home Ration (THR), and involving communities as key stakeholders in eradicating malnutrition.