Pune: In an effort to eliminate malnutrition among children, the Pune Zilla Parishad (ZP) has introduced a unique initiative, directing officials from various departments to take personal responsibility for the well-being of malnourished children. Under this initiative, officials will “adopt” one or two children for a period of 90 days, ensuring they receive necessary healthcare, nutritious food, and prescribed medications.
Jaising Girase, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), Pune ZP, shared details about the program: “A total of 295 officials, including police personnel, tehsildars, extension officers, sub-divisional magistrates, and taluka health officers, have been assigned to adopt malnourished children. This initiative will commence on March 24.”
Officials participating in the initiative are expected to visit the children at least twice a month, accompanied by community health officers. If a child has been prescribed medication by a doctor, the assigned official is responsible for procuring it at their own expense. “Children affected by malnutrition often suffer from nutritional deficiencies, which we aim to address by incorporating nutrient-rich foods into their diets. They will be provided with millet-based food items such as laddus and finger millet preparations to help bridge the nutritional gap,” Girase added.
Officials will also engage with parents, counseling them on proper child nutrition and the importance of regular medical check-ups. Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA), Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs), and Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) will accompany them during home visits. “We will guide parents on the benefits of natural, home-cooked meals over processed snacks like biscuits and wafers,” an ICDS official explained.
A tehsildar participating in the initiative expressed enthusiasm: “This is a commendable effort, and I take great pride in being part of it. Helping a child overcome malnutrition is a significant achievement and a contribution to society that we can cherish.”
As an additional measure, Pune ZP has introduced an Ayurvedic syrup known as GudBerg Shishu Care, made from medicinal herbs. “Administering 10 ml of this syrup daily is expected to enhance children’s appetite, encouraging them to consume healthier meals and address nutritional deficiencies,” Girase explained.
According to recent data from the ZP, Pune district has approximately 2,80,000 children aged six months to six years. Among them, 375 children have been identified as malnourished, with 82 classified as suffering from Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) and 293 from Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM).
To identify these cases, a comprehensive survey was conducted across 395 Anganwadis in rural Pune two weeks ago. Medical officers, ANMs, AWWs, and nurses assessed children’s height and weight to determine their nutritional status. The survey categorized children based on their malnutrition levels, providing critical data to guide intervention efforts.
This initiative aims to ensure that children receive proper nutrition and healthcare, with the long-term goal of eradicating malnutrition in Pune’s rural areas.
