Context: As India has entered into the Amrit Kaal (the 25-year-long leadup to India@100) , there is much to be proud about; significant advances have been made in science, technology, and medicine, adding to the country’s ancient, traditional, and civilisational knowledge base, wisdom and wealth.
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This article discusses the Potth Laika Abhiyaan, which is being implemented in Bemetara, Chhattisgarh which has a high number of Severe Acute Malnutritioned children despite being agriculturally rich and unaffected by Naxal activities.
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The major problem faced in addressing malnutrition is the lack of knowledge about feeding practices such as when and what to eat.
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Child malnutrition in India contributes to around 68.2% of under-five child mortality and also affects their health, learning capacity, school performance, and potential earnings, and increases the risk of contracting chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity.
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Counselling people on eating and feeding practices along with monitoring their progress can prove to be a game-changer.
Government Efforts to combat malnutrition
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Over the years, the Indian government has attempted to implement multiple schemes to ensure the food security of the population.
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This includes initiatives such as the provision of mid-day meals in schools, the Public Distribution System, and the Prime Minister's Overarching Scheme for Holistic Nourishment (POSHAN) Abhiyaan which provides ready-to-eat packets and hot meals to mothers and children at Anganwadi Centres (AWCs).
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Various state-specific schemes such as the Mukhyamantri Suposhan Yojaana (Chattisgarh) have been implemented to distribute nutritional add-ons such as egg, banana, protein powders, peanut chikki, and jaggery.
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Although these initiatives ensure access to food, India still faces persistent challenges related to the lack of information about nutrition.
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There is an inadequate amount of knowledge about proper eating and feeding practices, food-related myths, and insufficient highly processed foods.
Role of Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC)
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“Jan Andolan” or Social and Behavior Change Communication is a critical component of the POSHAN Abhiyaan.
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Various awareness programs have been initiated under the POSHAN Abhiyaan such as bicycle rallies, planting Poshan Vatikas, celebrating Poshan Maah, Poshan Pakhwaras, and Godh Bharaais.
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However, the concept of nutrition counseling needs to be institutionalized and uniformly implemented across the country, and field staff must be properly trained in nutritional counseling.
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According to the POSHAN Abhiyaan Progress Report, 2018, it is necessary to implement a focused and coherent SBCC Action Plan.
Recognizing Nutrition Counselling
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Simple Solutions, Significant Impact: Simplicity often leads to sophistication, and in addressing malnutrition, counselling people on proper eating and feeding practices can be highly effective.
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Government Efforts: The government has made strides in food security, offering mid-day meals in schools and public distribution of rations. Various state-specific schemes distribute nutritional supplements.
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Need for Nutrition Counselling: While awareness campaigns exist under schemes like POSHAN Abhiyaan, nutrition counselling has not been systematically implemented. Proper training and uniform adoption of nutrition counselling are essential for addressing this gap.
The Bemetara Model
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Malnutrition Paradox: Bemetara, a relatively affluent district in Chhattisgarh, faces severe acute malnutrition despite its agricultural prosperity. This highlights the significance of proper knowledge about feeding practices.
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Potth Laika Abhiyaan: A nutrition counselling program called "Potth Laika Abhiyaan" has been implemented in 72 severely affected Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) in Bemetara. Ground-level staff trained in nutrition counselling educates parents on balanced diets, hygiene, and dispel dietary myths.
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Positive Outcomes: In nine months, this program led to a 53.77% improvement in malnutrition among targeted children. Monitoring and evaluation played a crucial role, making this a cost-effective solution.
Scaling Up Nutrition Counselling Nationwide
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Replication of Success: The Potth Laika Abhiyaan model, combining nutrition counselling with monitoring, should be replicated across districts and states. It's a cost-effective approach with significant positive outcomes.
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Need for Comprehensive Strategy: Providing food to the underprivileged must be complemented by nutrition counselling and monitoring to effectively combat malnutrition.
- Achieving "Kuposhan Mukt Bharat": Implementing nutrition counselling as part of a holistic strategy can help India move closer to its goal of a "Kuposhan Mukt Bharat" (Malnutrition-Free India).
Conclusion