UT Chandigarh, 21st March 2022: Poshan Abhiyaan, a flagship programme, endeavours to improve nutritional outcomes of pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children under the age of six in a holistic manner. Behaviour change at the individual and community level is an essential component to achieve the desired goals of the Abhiyaan. In pursuance of this objective, Poshan Pakhwada is celebrated in convergence with all stakeholders during the month of March since the initiation of Poshan Abhiyaan in March 2018.
For the celebration of 4th Poshan Pakhwada, from 21st March 2022 to 4th April 2022, the Ministry decided to emphasize two broader areas, i.e., (i) identification and celebration of healthy children and (ii) activities concentrated on the integration of modern and traditional practices for a healthy India.
At the outset of the Poshan Pakhwada, POSHAN PAKHWADA 2022 was launched by Advisor UT Chandigarh,; Secretary Social Welfare, Director Social Welfare, Principal Secretary Tourism & Cultural Affairs UT chandigarh also graced the launch ceremony. A Kalash Yatra was carried out to raise awareness among the citizens, which concluded with health check-ups and growth monitoring camps for children at Bapu Dham Colony. Growth monitoring check-ups of SAM and MAM children were done at Daddu Majra, and a debate on children’s diet was also conducted. A rally on Poshan at AWB sector 41-A was organised to impart the message among the masses. A pledge on Poshan was also taken at all the 450 AWCs.
Various events like youth group meetings, demonstrations on hand wash, growth monitoring camps, and awareness drive on immunization, healthy food, and personal hygiene were conducted in all Anganwadi Centres. Lectures on the preparation of birth, incorporating a healthy diet in daily life, dietary needs of pregnant women, and reducing the risk of anaemia were organised at all 450 AWCs.
Other departments also contributed to the mission by conducting awareness activities on Poshtik Ahaar and a balanced diet, demonstration on hand washing and its importance, awareness activity on the prevention of iron deficiency and anaemia in children and adolescents, etc., in coordination with Schools, Anganwadis, and the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) Medical Officers. Further, ANMs and LHVs in Gynae OPDs, Paediatric OPDs, NRC GMSH-16, and HWC’s organised awareness activity on the importance of the first 1000 days and prevention of iron deficiency and anaemia for pregnant and lactating mothers.
The first day of Poshan Pakhwada 2022 ended with increased spirit and devotion to the cause and a pledge to make this Pakhwada a success towards combatting malnutrition in UT Chandigarh.
