Poshan Maah programme held in Chare and Zunheboto

DWO Zunheboto, Atula Kikon giving away cash awards to the winners of the painting and essay writing competition during the Poshan Maah campaign held at Zunheboto on September 9. (DIPR Photo)

Tuensang/Zunheboto, September 9 (MExN): The Integrated Child Development Service (ICDS) project of Chare-Tuensang District and Zunheboto district held Poshan Maah programme on September 9.

A DIPR report stated that the ICDS project Chare conducted a Poshan Maah rally cum awareness programme. The rally was flagged off by Nockpai Konyak, EAC Chare and was attended by more than 300 students, teachers, DBs, GBs, ASHAs, Anganwadi Workers and general public.

The ICDS project Chare conducted the Poshan Maah rally cum awareness programme to create awareness about the Poshan Maah programme among the general public, the report said.

It stated that Moa Longkumer, CDPO, Chare Block addressing the gathering, stated that the Poshan Maah programme which is to be carried out throughout the month of September, shall focus on creating awareness among the people of five critical components of Poshan Abhiyan. The five critical components are first 1000 days of the child; handwash and sanitation; anemia; diarrhea, and Poshtik Ahaar. Pointing out that ignorance and improper diet intake affects anemia among young adolescent girls, pregnant and lactating women, Moa encouraged the gathering not to relish only the typical Naga dishes of meat and fish, but also organic vegetables and fruits readily available in one’s own gardens. He further challenged the gathering to join hands to make the programme a huge success in Chare block.

Nockpai Konyak, EAC Chare also speaking at the event, urged the gathering to spread awareness among family members, neighbors, and community so that the Poshan Maah and the Poshan Abhiyan programme reaches every nook and corner of the state. He further announced that comprehensive action plan will be shared with schools, different departments and all stakeholders. The programme was chaired by Toshilemla, ASHA Chare Area, while Litsala, President, AST Chare Area, highlighted the Poshan Abhiyan and Poshan Maah programme as well as administered the Poshan Pledge. 

Meanwhile in Zunheboto, in continuation with the Action Plan of Poshan Maah, campaigns were held simultaneously for the District and Block Level under Zunheboto ICDS Project on September 9 at Government Middle School, Old Town and Government Higher Secondary School. 

A DIPR report stated that the ICDS project Zunheboto with the assistance of School Education Department organized painting and essay writing competitions for the students. The themes for the competition were "Nutrition" for students of classes 5 and 6 and "Cleanliness" for students of Classes 7 and 8. Awards were awarded to the students who secured 1st, 2nd and 3rd positions, it added.

District Welfare Officer, Zunheboto Atula Kikon exhorted the students and urged them to study hard and bring a positive change in the society. 

At the Block level, an awareness camp under the theme "Awareness Camp for Adolescent Girls" was held for Classes 8 to 12 students with the assistance of the Medical Department. An introductory message regarding Poshan Abhiyaan and Poshan Maah was delivered by Junito K Jimomi, Child Development Project Officer, Zunheboto. Thereafter the resource person, Dr Shikatoli Achumi, M O, (School Health Programme) spoke on the various things the adolescent girls needs to be aware of. She stressed on the consumption of IFA and de-worming tablets to prevent anemia etc. The meeting was attended by CDPO and Supervisors of Zbto ICDS Project, Valerie Kiba, BPM and Shekho Sophie DMO Zunheboto.