The month-long Poshan Maah (Nutrition Month) programme conducted by the ICDS, Health Department and Education Department concluded today.
The programme was held at Amlarem with Dr A Sani as chief guest and R Passah, Assistant Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, as the guest of honour.
Dr Sani said both the central and state governments are working together to ensure the health, growth and nutrition of children in the state. He said that during his conversation with the Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) of Amlarem, he came to know that current food available for children is not well received, the children and beneficiaries do not find the food received tasty, which affects their willingness to consume it. So there is a need to introduce locally made meals that are not just healthy but also tasty.
He informed that even the Principal Secretary has emphasised the importance of including locally sourced meals in the programme. Stressing that these meals added should not only be nutritious but also delicious ensuring that they are rich in iron and protein.
He thanked the Medical Officers, CDPOs and Amlarem Block teams for their hard work and identifying children suffering from severe malnutrition as well as pregnant and breastfeeding mothers who need help with anemia which is still a big issue.
CDPO H Biam highlighted the health-related activities carried throughout the month, including a fitness programme, nutrition education, promoting healthy food cultivation and cleanliness campaign. She said that this year the Poshan Maah campaign focused on critical themes such as anaemia prevention, growth monitoring, complementary feeding, effective service delivery through good governance and technology.
Prizes were also distributed to the winners of the Poshan Maah competition under different categories. The office also felicitated Anganwadi workers for their dedication, adopting, monitoring and feeding the children as advised by the NRC Jowai. The Anganwadi workers felicitated were Ralis Khyriem, Glorimai Lyngdoh Giri and Christilin Pohchen.
