Dimapur, Sep. 29 (EMN): A state level Poshan Maah commemoration function was held at the Heritage, Kohima on 29th September 2018.
The Director of Social Welfare, Merangtsungba Aier, while addressing the occasion stated that the Rashriya Poshan Abhiyan was rolled out in the country by the Prime Minister Narender Modi on March 8 for a 'holistic nourishment to strengthen and harmonize actions for nutrition and to reduce the nutrition gap in the country in a phased manner'.
Aier said that September 2018 was declared as Poshan Maah, a month long celebration from national to village level and which will be carried on till 2022. The programme is aimed at reduction of malnourishment among children, reducing anaemia among pregnant women, lactating mothers and adolescent girls and to build a strong and sturdy nation.
During this Poshan Abhiyan will address malnourishment through convergence of various schemes contributing towards addressing malnutrition, introducing a very robust convergence mechanism, said Aier. One of the most significant goals of the Poshan Abhiyan is to achieve improvement in nutritional status among children 0-6 years, reduce stunting in children (from presently 38.4% to 25 % by 2022) anemia among pregnant women, Adolescent girls and to reduce Low Birth Weight baby.
The Director also expresses his appreciation to all the individuals, departments, and various NGOs for the contribution to this noble campaign and called on all to propagate and disseminate the message of importance of nutrition in our life for a holistic development and growth. Aier also said that the department of health and family welfare also has done many radio talks on exclusive breastfeeding, complementary-feeding, AYUSH, anemia, and launched radio jingles on Poshan Abhiyan.
He acknowledged the active participation from the health and family welfare, PHED, department of youth and sports and other converging Departments besides various schools for their participation, support without which the Poshan Abhiyan and Maah could not have been accomplished and encourage all to work together closely to build a stronger tomorrow.
It may be added that besides many initiatives, the Department of Social Welfare also has taken up many important programmes. The Nomination of the Poshan Abhiyan Brand Ambassador, Radio talk on Poshan Abhiyan, discussion on Poshan Abhiyan in DDK, releasing of short documentary films on antenatal and optimal breastfeeding, girl's education, diet, right age of marriage and launching of radio jingles on hygiene and sanitation, growth monitoring and related themes.
Free anemia screening, Malaria test, demonstration of iodise/and non iodise salt, Yoga, food safety testing at home were also demonstrated including free distribution of leaflets and information on Swatch Bharat, on the spot registration on PMMVY and screening of movies on health related themes, the DIPR updated on Friday.
