Shillong, Sep 28: About 500 people took part in the first Community Health & Nutrition Mela under the Community-Based Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) project at New Jirang Playground in Ri-Bhoi.
The mela, hosted by the Indian Institute of Public Health Shillong to mark the Rashtriya Poshan Maah (National Nutrition Month), brought together eight villages — Centre Village, Iosohksang, Umsohpanan, Umlakro, Wahsynon, Nonglum, Umkhawai and Umiong.
The event was inaugurated by Acting Syiem of Hima Jirang, Ronel McDonald Wahlang, who stressed on health and nutrition for young children. Officials from Health, Social Welfare, Education, Meghalaya State Rural Livelihoods Society (MSRLS), C&RD Block, village headmen and Hima Jirang attended the inaugural session.
Project Coordinator of CMAM at IIPH Shillong, Alice Lyngdoh, introduced the project and the objective of the mela series.
The day-long programme featured interactive stalls on food groups, healthy plates, nutrition myths and facts and low-cost nutritious meals.
The IIPH Shillong team held sessions on identifying malnutrition, MUAC screening and foods that aid growth and recovery.
The Meghalaya Early Childhood Development Mission (MECDM) team led by DPM Ri-Bhoi, Cyndrella Mylliemngap, engaged families on child development through activities like the brain wiring game.
A health camp and NCD screening was conducted by the State Dispensary team while local SHGs displayed organic vegetables and local products. School children performed songs, dances, speeches and artwork.
At the end, 100 families with children under five received MUAC tapes and wall calendars for regular home screening. Families were advised that MUAC is a first-line screening tool and children flagged at risk should be taken to the Anganwadi worker for further assessment.
IIPH Shillong is piloting the CMAM project in Jirang, Mawkynrew and Dadenggre blocks. The Mela series will next be held in Mawkynrew and Dadenggre. In Jirang, upcoming Melas are scheduled on October 6 at Mawdem Nongbah Playground, October 9 at Warmawsaw Ground, October 13 at Mynnar Jirang Playground and October 17 at Umsong Playground.
