Port Blair, July 29: The North & Middle Andaman District Administration has launched ‘Kuposhan Mukt Panchayat’ Campaign, a comprehensive initiative to address malnutrition among children, with significant efforts being made at the Anganwadi Center level. Under ‘Kuposhan Mukt Panchayat Abhiyan’, various activities are being intensified by convergence of different Departments as mentioned below:

Growth Monitoring: Growth monitoring is conducted at Anganwadi Centers by Anganwadi Workers in consultation with Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs). The data is regularly entered into the POSHAN Tracker Application. Identified malnourished children are referred to the nearest health center for further assessment and treatment.

Medical Assessment: In addition to children with Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM), 14 severely underweight children have been identified at Diglipur Sub-division and referred to nearby health facilities for further treatment. Children with medical complications are also referred for appropriate care.

Nutritional Management: A total of 160 children diagnosed with malnutrition at Diglipur Sub-division, categorized as Moderately Underweight (MUW) and Severely Underweight (SUW), are provided with Hot Cooked Meals (HCM) daily. These meals are prepared fresh at Anganwadi Centers (AWCs) with strict hygiene and sanitation standards. The menu is designed to meet the special nutritional needs of MUW and SUW children, ensuring a balanced intake of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Local and culturally acceptable foods are included to ensure the meals are palatable and well-received by the children.

Sample Menu:

Breakfast: Porridge made from fortified cereals, milk, and fruits.

Lunch: Rice or chapatti with lentils, vegetables, and a serving of protein such as egg or chicken.

Snacks: Nutritional snacks like roasted chickpeas, boiled eggs, or fruits.

Dinner: Similar to lunch, with variations in vegetables and protein sources to ensure variety.

Nutrition, Health Education and Counseling: Anganwadi Workers counsel mothers and caregivers on nutrition, hygiene, and feeding practices based on growth monitoring results. They educate families about the importance of balanced diets and proper childcare practices. Families are also educated about the importance of consuming safe and clean drinking water, using covered containers for water storage, and maintaining good sanitation practices. Demonstrations on handwashing and safe food handling practices are conducted to prevent foodborne illnesses. The importance of maintaining a clean and hygienic living environment is emphasized.

Buddy Mother Concept: The Buddy Mother concept is implemented at Anganwadi centers under N&MA district, where experienced mothers provide emotional support and practical advice to pregnant women and new mothers, sharing their knowledge about pregnancy, childbirth, and child-raising.

Poshan Kits Distribution: Under the campaign for a malnutrition-free Panchayat, Poshan Kits are distributed to address the needs of malnourished children in the district. These kits are designed to provide essential nutritional support and help combat malnutrition.

The North & Middle Andaman District Administration remains committed to improving the health and well-being of its children through these dedicated efforts.