Nutrition solutions based on traditional healthcare wisdom will
be an integral part of the Third
Rashtriya Poshan Maah, being celebrated this month, to address the problem of
malnutrition in women and children.
The initiative will further accelerate various activities
under the Indian government’s Poshan
Abhiyaan (National Nutrition Mission)
launched in March 2018.
“The programme has special focus on reducing the level of
stunting, under-nutrition and low birth weight in children, and anaemia in
adolescent girls, pregnant women, lactating mothers as well as children. All
the traditional medicine systems of India place emphasis on food and diet, and
have sophisticated knowledge on the subject. This body of time-tested knowledge
will be scientifically adapted to add momentum to the Poshan Abhiyaa,” a statement by the AYUSH Ministry said.
A joint communication was sent to Chief Secretaries of all
States and Union Territories by the Secretaries of Ministry of Health and
Family Welfare, Ministry of AYUSH, Ministry of Panchayati Raj and Ministry of
Women & Child Development on September seven, explaining the role of Ayush-based
solutions.
A drive for early identification of children suffering from
Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) will be undertaken. Experts from indigenous
systems of Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani will be co-opted to provide guidance on
good nutrition, complementary feeding etc. The Ministry of AYUSH will initiate
and coordinate special measures for this, through the network of its Autonomous
Bodies as well as through Stake-holders like Ayush Educational Institutions.
The Ministry will customise its on-going awareness campaign during the month by
focusing on the theme “Ahara” (directly
related to the subject of nutrition) and reach out to the public with targeted
messages.
To strengthen community support to
this drive, Poshan Panchayats
will be organized where all members of Village Health Sanitation and Nutrition
Committee (VHSNC) and public will participate to discuss on-going activities,
health and nutrition education, and remedial measures being taken. The AYUSH Ministry
will also take special efforts in promoting village level activities by roping
in relevant stake-holders.
