- Health check-ups for 80 children, immediate treatment for 29 malnourished and severely malnourished children; school dropout adolescent girls reconnected with education.
Under the state government’s public welfare initiatives, concrete and result-oriented work is being done to eradicate malnutrition. Through the Chief Minister’s Child Reference Scheme and the “Weight Festival” campaign organized by the Women and Child Development Department, children and pregnant women are being continuously monitored for health and provided with appropriate treatment and nutritional counseling.
In a special health camp held at the Nayapara Urban Primary Health Center in Mahasamund district, a total of 80 children aged 0 to 5 years underwent detailed health checkups. During the assessment, 29 children were found to be malnourished and severely malnourished, and they were immediately provided with essential medications, medical advice, and nutritional treatment. Severely affected children were informed about regular follow-up and, if necessary, admission to a nutrition rehabilitation center.
In the same sequence, in Mahasamund district, under the “Weight Festival” organized from 9th to 18th February, a special camp was organized in Dr. Sushil Samuel Ward (Sector-01) of the Urban Project Area, where the weight and height of children and pregnant women were measured. Based on the data obtained, malnourished and severely malnourished children were identified and connected with special nutrition diet, medical facilities and continuous monitoring. Pregnant women were advised to consume iron, calcium and essential micronutrients regularly and to adopt a balanced diet.
- Special emphasis on nutrition, sanitation and vaccination
Doctors and health teams informed parents about the importance of a balanced diet, regular vaccination, cleanliness, deworming, use of clean drinking water, and prompt treatment in case of diarrhea and vomiting. They were advised to include pulses, green vegetables, milk, eggs, fruits, and seasonal foods in children’s diets. Parents were also told that the first six years of a child’s life are the foundation for a child’s physical, mental, and intellectual development. Regular weight-height measurements and nutritional management can effectively prevent problems like anemia and malnutrition.
- Initiative to link education with social awareness
During the campaign, important initiatives were taken not only in the field of health but also in the field of education. Four school-dropout girls from the Dewar caste were counseled to re-enroll in school, which yielded positive results. This effort is an important step towards promoting girls’ education and strengthening social inclusion.
It is noteworthy that under the Chief Minister’s Child Reference Scheme, regular health check-ups, nutritional assessments, distribution of essential medicines, counseling, and referral of serious cases to higher health institutions are being ensured for children registered at Anganwadi centers. Effective implementation of schemes in Mahasamund district is creating a strong environment based on public participation towards the eradication of malnutrition.