Meghalaya will celebrate September as Poshan Maah (National Nutrition Month) under four basic themes for four weeks which will be coordinated by the Directorate of Social Welfare, District Programme Officers and Child Development Project Officers under ICDS at the district and block levels in convergence with different line departments.
Plantation activity in the form of Poshan Vatika (Nutri Gardens) at the spaces available in AWCs, Schools, Community land and others will be organised in the first week. In the second week, focus will be made on Yoga and AYUSH for Nutrition (Yoga sessions targeted for various groups like pregnant women, children and Adolescent Girls). Distribution of Nutrition Kits to selected Anganwadi beneficiaries with IEC materials will be organised in the third week and in the fourth week there will be a drive for identification of SAM and distribution of nutritious food for them.
A series of webinars will also be conducted by the Ministry of Women and Child Development and line Ministries during the month long celebration on relevant topics of nutrition.
Meanwhile, Poshan Maah was launched today at Bilcham CLF Office, Chongnapara Purakhasia in West Garo Hills under the theme, “Converging towards a healthy walk through life”.
Additional Deputy Commissioner and Project Director, DRDA Charming Sangma who attended the gathering as chief guest highlighted the importance of the programme and the role of right nutrition awareness necessary for the human body adding that balanced diet with combination of essential nutrients and calories is pivotal for the smooth working and growth of the human body.
He emphasised on the health of lactating women and children and said that mothers’ health is very important since they are the backbone of the family and that the health of a mother determines the overall development and well being of a family as well as in contributing to the society as a whole.
Sangma informed that the implementing departments and agencies through Anganwadi workers and ASHAs will carry out the activities for a month long nutrition month and expressed hope that people would support and participate for the success of the program and ensure a healthier future for women and children.
Moreover, in view of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and the need to intensify vaccination campaign in the region, Sangma advised all eligible persons to vaccinate so as to prevent themselves from the disease.
Chonseng Arengh, CDPO, Tura Urban ICDS Cell informed that the Poshan Abhiyan targets to reduce stunting, under-nutrition, low birth weight and anaemia among young children, women and adolescent girls.
During the function, the chief guest and other dignitaries also planted fruit bearing orange saplings as part of ‘Poshan Vatika’ and Poshan Walk was also organised and cash prizes were also distributed to the winners of Best Slogan during the function.
