DIMAPUR, APRIL 16 (MExN): As part of the ongoing POSHAN Pakhwada 2025 under the Rashtriya POSHAN Abhiyaan, a block level “Healthy Baby Show” for children aged 6 months to 18 months was conducted at Lengrijan Village Council Hall, Dimapur on April 16. The programme was organised by the Child Development Project Office, Dimapur (U) and District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW) Dimapur, Department of Social Welfare, in convergence with Health & Family Welfare and RD-NSRLM.
A briefing on POSHAN Pakhwada was presented by Limasangla, CDPO Dimapur (U), where she said that POSHAN Pakhwada is taken up the government to address malnutrition, anaemia and childhood obesity, particularly among children, adolescent girls, pregnant women and nursing mothers. The campaign encourages a Jan Andolan—a people’s movement—by involving community organizations and churches in spreading awareness on proper nutrition and health, while activities are conducted year-round.
Limasenla informed that the campaign focuses on the critical first 1000 days—from pregnancy to a child’s second birthday—with themes covering maternal and infant nutrition, digital accessibility for beneficiaries, and prevention of childhood obesity through healthy lifestyles.
She also spoke on early initiation of breastfeeding within one hour of birth, exclusive breastfeeding for six months and appropriate complementary feeding from six months onwards, continuing breastfeeding up to two years. Emphasis is laid on safe, hygienic and age-appropriate feeding with sufficient consistency, frequency, and dietary diversity.
A brief highlight of Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) was presented by Vizosuto Khanyo, District Coordinator PMMVY. Khanyo informed that under the scheme, eligible women receive financial support of Rs 5,000 in two instalments for the first child and Rs 6,000 for the second child if it is a girl, promoting positive behavioural change toward the girl child. The scheme is implemented through Anganwadi services and encourages early registration of pregnancy, antenatal check-ups, and child immunization.
Citizens were encouraged to apply at the nearest Anganwadi Centre, CDPO office, or District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW). Eligible women must ensure they have an Aadhaar-seeded bank account and valid documents like BPL cards, SC/ST certificates, or E-shram cards. Khanyo urged all stakeholders to spread awareness and ensure no eligible woman is left out of the scheme. For online application, citizens can also register through the official PMMVY web or mobile app he informed.
Anganwadi Board Chairman, TL Toshi Longchar, speaking during the event, appreciated the efforts of the department and urged that such programmes be held more frequently so that residents can share the information with others in the community. He also thanked the department for reaching out to the grassroots and ensuring that vital government schemes are accessible to all.
Medical Officer, RARC, Dr Neha Mech, explained the criteria for selecting healthy babies, after which the Healthy Baby Contest was conducted.
Prizes were awarded to the winners, who were selected based on overall health indicators and were felicitated with a cash prize. The winners of the Healthy Baby Show were Imtisor Ao and Limlir respectively.
The event commenced with an invocation by Amongla, Associate Women Pastor of Lengrijan Ao Baptist Church. Kalivi Zhimoni, Supervisor chaired the programme and vote of thanks was given by Kevizenuo Rio, Supervisor.
