Dr Imlikumba
Medical Officer (Ayurveda), NEIAFMR
Introduction: Poshan Abhiyaan was launched by Prime Minister on March 8, 2018 in Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan. The focus of Abhiyaan is to lay emphasis on nutritional status of adolescent girls, pregnant women, lactating mothers and children from 0-6 year age. Under the jan andolan of Poshan Abhiyaan comes the Poshan Pakwada which is a fortnightly program mostly celebrated in the march and Poshan Maah the whole month of September.
Main theme or focus of this year’s Poshan Pakhwada:
Focus on First 1000 days of Life
• Improvement in percentage of pregnant women whose height and weight are measured and updated in gestational weight gain module in PT
• Improvement in percentage of children whose weight at Birth is measured and updated in PT
• Improvement in number and quality of Home Visits undertaken for children (0-2 years) during Pakhwada
Popularization of Beneficiary Module
• Enhanced in no. of registrations from all States/UTs (new beneficiaries)
• Increase in no. of existing beneficiaries registrations on Beneficiary module
• Reduced pendency of registration request at AWW level
Management of Malnutrition through implementation of CMAM module
• Increase in No. of appetite tests conducted
• No. of referrals made
Healthy lifestyle to address the Obesity in Children
• Increased public awareness about obesity
• Dedicated CBE for awareness on the issue of obesity in Children
Additional emphasis on the following:
• Nukkad Natakon Suposhit GP Abhiyan and first1000 days
• Creation of thematic jingles
• Engagement of Community radio ,CSOs
• Involvement of celebrity, Influencers
• CMAM and beneficiary module promotion through audio-visuals
Themes of Poshan Pakwada over the Years: Poshan Pakhwada 2024 Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi”, Poshan Pakhwada 2023 is "Nutrition for All: Together Towards a Healthy India”, Poshan Pakhwada 2022 focused on "Integration of Modern and Traditional Practices”, Poshan Pakhwada 2021, focused on “Addressing nutritional challenges through Food Forestry”, Poshan Pakhwada 2020 had the theme "Increasing male engagement in Poshan Abhiyaan to improve nutritional outcomes”, Poshan Pakhwada 2019 focused on “Promoting a healthy and nutritious diet among children and women”
Activities undertaken by Ministry of Ayush the 7th Poshan Pakhwada
• Exclusive Anemia Camps / sensitization sessions about Ayush practices for Adolescent Girls, PW&LMs
• Awareness campaigns in the community on healthy dietary practices (regional and seasonal) for Adolescent Girls and
• School Children, linking it with lifestyle changes for prevention of lifestyle disease like Childhood Obesity
• Yoga sessions for all,esp. focusing on first 1000 days
• Drives to populate Poshan Vatikas with medicinal plant/ saplings
• Promotion of beneficiary/citizen module
• Ayushmaan Arogya Mandirs to be mobilized for sensitizing masses on the themes of Poshan Pakhwada 2025
Conclusion: Poshan Pakhwada 2025 will build on the success of previous years, leveraging the power of SBCC and community mobilization to address key nutrition issues in India. By focusing on the proposed themes with an aim of achieving intended outcomes against each one of them, the nationwide celebrations on nutrition will foster community engagement, create awareness, and drive action towards improved nutrition outcomes, particularly for target populations viz, pregnant women, children, adolescent girls, and marginalized groups. The convergence of efforts across ministries and departments will ensure that nutrition remains a priority for communities at all levels, ultimately contributing to the achievement of Mission Poshan 2.0's goals.
